Venture Finance Lead

Job description

Our client We are currently partnered with a hands-on investment company, and they are seeking an entrepreneurial, commercially astute and hands-on finance professional to become their Venture Finance Lead. The Role This is a unique opportunity to work directly alongside the Owner, supporting both the launch of new ventures and the ongoing financial performance of a portfolio of established investments across a ‘wider Group’ of companies, which covers several distinct corporate groups. You will take ownership of the finance function for newly established product verticals and businesses during their formative years (typically their first 0–24 months), building robust financial foundations, commercial discipline and scalable processes from day one. Alongside this, you will act as the financial relationship lead for a number of the wider Group's more mature investments, providing oversight of financial performance, monitoring returns on investment and ensuring businesses deliver against agreed financial objectives. This includes reviewing trading performance, assessing cash generation, monitoring repayment of shareholder loans and ensuring dividend expectations are achieved in line with investment plans. The role combines strategic commercial finance with hands-on execution. You will report directly to the Owner and work closely with two Finance Directors from the wider Group, drawing upon their expertise whilst maintaining ownership of your portfolio. As new ventures mature, responsibility may transition into the wider Group structure, allowing you to move on to support the next generation of businesses whilst continuing to oversee the Group's investment portfolio. Key Responsibilities Commercial Finance & Business Partnering • Act as the finance lead and trusted business partner for a portfolio of new ventures and established investments. • Support the Owner with commercial analysis, strategic decision-making and investment appraisal. • Develop business cases, financial models and scenario planning for new opportunities. • Challenge assumptions and provide commercially focused financial insight. • Support pricing, commercial negotiations and profitability analysis. Financial Planning & Analysis • Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning for early-stage ventures. • Develop KPIs and reporting dashboards. • Monitor performance against budget and identify risks and opportunities. • Present financial performance and recommendations to senior leadership. Cashflow, Treasury & Funding • Prepare detailed cashflow forecasts and working capital models. • Oversee banking arrangements and treasury requirements. • Coordinate intercompany funding where appropriate. • Monitor liquidity and capital requirements across the portfolio. Portfolio & Investment Oversight • Lead the finance function for new ventures during their first 0–24 months. • Establish appropriate governance, controls and scalable finance processes. • Transition mature businesses into the Group's established finance structure. • Act as the finance lead for a portfolio of established Group investments. • Review management accounts, budgets and forecasts, challenging performance where appropriate. • Hold management teams accountable for delivering agreed financial objectives. • Monitor dividend income and ensure returns to the Group are delivered in line with shareholder expectations. • Track shareholder loan balances and repayment schedules. • Assess cash generation, liquidity and capital allocation. • Provide the Owner with regular reporting on portfolio performance, key risks and opportunities. • Support acquisitions, refinancing opportunities and strategic investment decisions. Finance Operations • Work closely with the central Finance Operations team, who will manage purchase ledger, sales ledger, reconciliations, payroll support, month-end processing and management accounts for applicable investments. • Review monthly financial information for accuracy and completeness. • Drive continuous improvement in finance processes as businesses scale. About You You are a commercially minded qualified accountant who enjoys building businesses rather than simply maintaining them. You are comfortable operating in fast-moving environments, influencing senior stakeholders and balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. Skills & Experience Essential • Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA). • Significant commercial finance experience. • Proven experience within start-up or high-growth organisations. • Experience within the online gaming industry. • Strong FP&A, financial modelling and business partnering skills. • Experience managing cashflow, working capital and funding. • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills. • Experience establishing finance processes and controls from scratch. Desirable • Experience launching new products or business ventures. • Experience across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions. • Exposure to regulated businesses. • Experience supporting M&A, corporate finance or investment activities. Why Join them? This is a rare opportunity to work directly with the Owner in shaping the future of the Group. You will play a key role in launching new businesses while maximising returns from an established investment portfolio. The role offers significant autonomy, commercial influence and the opportunity to create long-term value across a diverse and growing group of companies.