Director of Finance

To be considered for the Director of Finance role at Houst, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, along with professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or an MBA. Extensive experience in senior financial operations, especially within high-growth startups, is crucial. Additional expertise in multi-entity and multi-currency businesses will give candidates an edge.

As the Director of Finance at Houst, you’ll take on significant responsibilities including financial leadership, operational excellence, and risk management. You’ll develop and execute financial strategies, oversee compliance, conduct operational reviews, and utilize financial data for business decision-making, all while mentoring a high-performing team and collaborating closely with senior management.

Candidates for the Director of Finance position at Houst should possess strong Excel and Google Sheets skills, particularly in modeling and macros. Familiarity with Xero and SQL is a plus, as is experience with automation tools and integrations. Your adeptness with these tools will enhance your ability to provide insightful financial analysis and reporting.

Houst places a great emphasis on work-life balance. As a Director of Finance, you can expect 35 days of paid holiday a year, plus UK public holidays, and an extra day off to celebrate your birthday! We believe that a rejuvenated team is a productive team, and we are committed to creating a supportive work environment.

At Houst, you'll find an enviable company culture built on collaboration, innovation, and recognition. We invest time in getting our work culture just right, hosting regular social events and celebrating outstanding contributions. This positive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it an exciting place to work.

When discussing your experience with financial strategic planning, focus on specific strategies you've developed that have driven growth and performance. Share examples of how you've aligned financial goals with business objectives, showcasing your analytical skills and decision-making processes.

In answering this question, emphasize your experience in managing day-to-day financial operations. Discuss the importance of efficiency, cost tracking, and process optimization. Provide concrete examples of how you’ve improved operational finance in previous roles.

When addressing risk management, discuss your strategies for implementing robust financial systems and controls. Highlight your familiarity with compliance across different jurisdictions and regulatory standards, along with examples of how you’ve maintained compliance in past roles.

Describe your process for turning financial data into valuable insights. Share how you've used KPIs, financial forecasts, and data analytics to inform business strategies, enhance performance, and drive decision-making.

Discuss your leadership approach and the importance of creating a collaborative environment. Provide examples of how you’ve mentored team members, fostered professional growth, and encouraged a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Share specifics about a budget you've managed, detailing the planning process, challenges faced, and how you monitored and adjusted it throughout the year. Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Outline your strategy for communication with stakeholders regarding financial performance. Discuss the importance of transparency, regular updates, and how you tailor reports to meet the needs of various stakeholders.

Discuss your experience in building relationships with investors, maintaining open communication, and providing updates on financial performance. Highlight successful fundraising efforts and how you’ve engaged with investors to align their interests with company growth.

Explain the key metrics you consider when evaluating financial health, such as cash flow, profit margins, and return on investment. Discuss how you analyze these metrics to identify strengths and areas for improvement within the organization.

Share your insights into managing multi-currency operations, detailing your familiarity with foreign exchange risks and strategies. Highlight past experiences where you successfully navigated these complexities and ensured compliance across multiple jurisdictions.