Operational CFO

We are looking for a hands-on senior leader who is not only technically strong in finance, but who also understands how an EMI business operates from an operational, regulatory, safeguarding, payments and client funds perspective. 

The successful candidate will lead the Malta-based finance team, ensure the department is structured and operating effectively, and make sure the team understands how their work connects to the wider business operations. This includes payment flows, settlements, reconciliations, safeguarding, liquidity, reporting, regulatory obligations and day-to-day operational finance controls.

The company requires someone who has worked within an EMI, payments institution, PSP, fintech or similar regulated financial services environment and can bring practical knowledge of how these businesses operate.

Responsibilities

Operational Finance Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the finance team based in Malta.
• Ensure the team understands how EMI operations work across payments, settlements, safeguarding, reconciliations, client funds and regulatory reporting.
• Create clear ownership, structure and accountability across the finance function.
• Act as a hands-on leader who can guide the team through both day-to-day finance activity and wider operational requirements.
• Work closely with operations, compliance, risk, payments, product and senior leadership to ensure finance is aligned with business activity.

EMI Operations & Business Understanding

• Provide strong operational oversight of finance processes linked to the EMI licence.
• Ensure finance activity supports the correct management of client funds, safeguarding requirements, liquidity, settlements and reconciliations.
• Review and improve finance workflows to ensure they support the practical running of the business.
• Identify operational gaps, control weaknesses or process inefficiencies and implement improvements.
• Support the business in maintaining strong governance across financial and operational processes.

Financial Control & Reporting

• Oversee monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting.
• Prepare and present management accounts, board packs, forecasts, budgets and financial analysis.
• Ensure strong financial controls are in place across all areas of the business.
• Oversee reconciliations, payment flows, client fund controls, safeguarding reports and operational finance checks.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to senior management, the board, auditors and relevant stakeholders.

Regulatory, Audit & Compliance Support

• Ensure finance operations are aligned with EMI licence obligations and regulatory expectations.
• Support regulatory reporting, audits, safeguarding reviews and financial compliance requirements.
• Liaise with auditors, banks, advisors, regulators and internal compliance teams where required.
• Ensure finance policies and procedures are properly documented, followed and regularly reviewed.
• Support governance meetings with clear, accurate and practical financial insight.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Support

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning.
• Provide financial insight to support commercial decisions, cost management and business growth.
• Support the CEO and board with financial modelling, scenario planning and business performance reviews.
• Monitor financial performance and highlight risks, opportunities and key trends.
• Ensure financial planning is realistic, commercially sound and aligned with the company’s operational needs.

Team Development & Process Improvement

• Train, guide and support the finance team to improve both technical finance knowledge and operational understanding.
• Strengthen internal controls, approvals, reporting processes and team workflows.
• Drive improvements in accuracy, speed, structure and accountability across the finance function.
• Support system improvements, automation and finance transformation initiatives where required.
• Build a finance team that can operate confidently within a regulated EMI environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role such as CFO, Operational CFO, Finance Director, Head of Finance or similar.
• Direct experience within an EMI, payments institution, PSP, fintech, banking or regulated financial services environment is essential.
• Strong understanding of how EMI operations work, including payments, settlements, safeguarding, reconciliations, liquidity, client funds and regulatory finance obligations.
• Experience leading and developing a finance team.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit, internal controls and statutory obligations.
• Ability to work closely with operations, compliance, risk, payments and senior leadership teams.
• Experience dealing with auditors, banks, advisors, regulators and board-level stakeholders.
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to improve processes, controls and team performance.
• Excellent communication, leadership and decision-making skills.
• Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, ACA, CPA or equivalent is preferred.