Finance Director

An investor-backed life sciences accelerator is seeking a Head of Finance / Finance Director to join its senior leadership team in a role that will pay up to £150,000 per annum, plus offer an annual bonus of up to 20%. This pivotal role will report to the Executive Chair and play a critical part in scaling the organisation's portfolio of early-stage biotech ventures, ensuring robust financial management, strategic decision support, and operational efficiency.

Founded to bridge the gap between academic research and investable biotech companies, the organisation identifies promising early-stage drug discovery projects, provides the capital and operational expertise they need to grow, and manages them through to value-creating transactions. Typically, portfolio companies are created, developed and transacted within 3-4 years, with a steady pipeline of multiple concurrent ventures. Backed by a leading life sciences investment fund, this is an agile, entrepreneurial environment where strategic thinking and adaptability are essential.

As the Head of Finance / Finance Director, your role will involve:

• Acting as a strategic partner to the Executive Chair and senior leadership team, shaping financial strategy and guiding investment decisions.
• Leading all aspects of finance for the accelerator and its portfolio companies, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and scenario planning.
• Overseeing outsourced finance providers to ensure high-quality accounting, payroll, tax compliance, and statutory reporting.
• Driving the development and implementation of scaleable financial processes and controls to support growth.
• Leading technical accounting, including valuations, IFRS reporting, LTIP accounting, and annual audits.
• Designing and managing the fee model charged to portfolio companies for management services.
• Providing financial governance and oversight for multiple early-stage biotech ventures in parallel.
• Supporting transactions, including investor reporting, due diligence, and data room preparation.

The ideal Head of Finance / Finance Director will:

• Be ACA qualified (or equivalent) with deep technical accounting expertise.
• Have a track record as a senior finance leader in start-up, scale?up, or high-growth environments; life sciences or venture-backed experience strongly preferred.
• Be equally comfortable with strategic decision-making and hands-on operational finance.
• Have strong experience managing outsourced finance providers and working with auditors, boards, and investors.
• Possess excellent Excel and analytical skills (no need for advanced modelling, but strong competency expected).
• Thrive in fast-moving, ambiguous settings, with the ability to adapt quickly and influence at senior levels.

This role will be based primarily in central London, with hybrid working and occasional travel to other sites. The organisation offers a competitive package in the region of £130,000-£150,000 plus up to 20% bonus, alongside the opportunity to help shape and grow multiple biotech companies from inception to exit.
The recruitment process will involve several stages, including an initial call with the recruiter, interviews with senior leadership, and a practical exercise. The organisation and its recruitment partners are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

To apply, please submit your CV today.