Chief Financial Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a pivotal role within the executive leadership team, responsible for directing and managing the complete financial operations of the organization. This position demands a strategic and analytical leader capable of independently steering financial initiatives, overseeing critical financial functions, and providing insightful analyses that align with the company's growth ambitions. The CFO will leverage extensive expertise to ensure the swift and effective execution of essential financial projects, taking charge of advanced financial duties such as financial modeling, scenario analysis, stakeholder engagement, and funding management, while also supervising the organization's fundamental financial activities.

Up Learn is dedicated to crafting the most effective educational experiences globally. Our approach combines cognitive science, instructional methodologies, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

Our mission is to democratize access to high-quality learning experiences for as many students as possible.

Starting with A Levels, Up Learn has developed courses that are:

1. Effective: 97% of students completing Up Learn courses achieve an A*/A, even from lower starting grades.
2. Engaging: Over 2.8 million hours of learning have been logged on Up Learn, and this number continues to grow.
3. Scalable: Tens of thousands of students currently utilize Up Learn, either independently or through partnerships with over 300 schools, universities, and charities.

Up Learn is experiencing rapid growth and is supported by investors who share our vision, including the prominent venture capital firm Forward Partners and the Branson family (Virgin). Our commitment to social impact is fundamental to our mission; for every student who pays, we provide a full scholarship to a student in need.

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Direct the finance function with an emphasis on aligning financial strategies with the long-term vision of the organization, promoting both strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
• Deliver financial insights and strategic recommendations to the CEO and the leadership team from a financial perspective.
• Utilize in-depth financial leadership experience to guide the company’s financial trajectory without requiring direct oversight from the CEO, ensuring proactive financial management, scenario analysis, and financial modeling.
• Provide financial insights and modeling to facilitate strategic decision-making, including assessing the financial implications of product enhancements and other strategic initiatives.
• Enhance revenue and profitability by managing cross-functional teams to ensure efficient resource allocation, holding departments accountable for their budgets and financial objectives.
• Oversee the management of key financial KPIs, identifying and tracking essential metrics critical to the organization's success.

Revenue and Cost Forecasting:

• Assume responsibility for revenue forecasting, enhancing accuracy and reliability to avert financial shortfalls.
• Refine cost forecasting processes to ensure they are robust and aligned with the organization’s financial goals.
• Implement and supervise accrual-based revenue and cost reporting for forward-looking forecasts, ensuring all financial reports accurately reflect the organization’s financial health.

Advanced Financial Modeling and Analysis:

• Develop and implement sophisticated financial models that cater to both B2B SaaS and B2C segments of the business.
• Lead initiatives to accurately assess and optimize gross profit margins across various products and markets, evaluating the return on investments for both revenue-generating and non-revenue-generating initiatives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify expansion opportunities, providing data-driven recommendations to the leadership team.

Efficient Execution of Financial Projects:

• Take charge of key financial projects, ensuring they are executed efficiently and effectively, leveraging prior experience to deliver results promptly.

Investor Relations & Fundraising:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing investors, providing timely and accurate financial information and updates.
• Establish and manage relationships with investors, banks, lenders, and other financial institutions to proactively secure funding options and support the organization’s financial health.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Ensure the seamless execution of core financial operations, including the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, management accounts, and compliance filings.
• Oversee adherence to relevant financial standards, ensuring that the organization’s financial practices are robust and scalable.

Team Development & Leadership:

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, proactivity, and accountability.
• Identify and address skill gaps within the team, providing training and development opportunities as necessary.

Proactive Problem-Solving:

• Identify key financial issues before they escalate, setting goals and driving initiatives to address potential challenges proactively.
• Develop and implement processes that enhance financial transparency, accountability, and decision-making across the organization.
• Utilize extensive experience to advance financial projects swiftly, making continual improvements and delivering results consistently.

Requirements

• Proven multi-year experience as a CFO, VP Finance, or similar senior finance leadership role within a fast-growing organization.
• Demonstrated strong financial acumen with a comprehensive understanding of effective revenue forecasting, financial planning, and analysis.
• Highly data literate with expert-level financial modeling skills essential for this role.
• Ability to manage complex financial challenges with a high degree of autonomy.
• Successful experience in investor relations and managing financing strategies is advantageous.
• Proven track record of delivering results as promised, within agreed timelines.
• A proactive, strategic thinker capable of anticipating challenges and driving solutions independently.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a demonstrated history of low error rates in financial activities.
• Strong communication skills, able to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems and tools, including QuickBooks, Excel, and Google Sheets.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a positive attitude.
• Strong ability to interact cross-functionally, understanding the needs and perspectives of different departments.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor finance teams, driving high performance through deep knowledge and experience.

Additional Considerations

• Comfortable working in a dynamic growth environment where change is frequent.
• Genuine passion for learning and growth, thriving in a feedback-rich culture.
• High standards for personal and professional performance, with a commitment to delivering results.
• Understanding that outstanding leadership requires resilience and mental toughness.
• Exceptional time management and task prioritization skills, balancing multiple projects effectively.
• Excited to contribute to an organization that positively impacts students' lives.

Core Values

1. Live for Learning: We are open-minded and have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking feedback and improvement.
2. Strive for Consistent Excellence: We maintain high standards, paying attention to detail and taking pride in our consistency.
3. Objective and Rational: We think critically, avoiding biases and regulating our emotions.
4. Relentlessly Resourceful: We are determined and innovative, ensuring we achieve our goals.
5. Caring and Compassionate: We demonstrate empathy and support for each other and our students.