Play a pivotal role in ensuring robust financial governance, optimising capital structure, managing risk in volatile markets, and supporting commercial decision-making in a fast-paced trading environment.
Client Details
A growing commodities trading business and major UK independent precious metal trader.
Description
*Provide strategic financial leadership and act as a key advisor to the executive team and board on all financial matters, including growth strategy, capital allocation, and risk management.
*Oversee all core finance functions: financial planning & analysis (FP&A), budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, statutory accounting, and compliance.
*Lead treasury operations, including cash flow management, working capital optimisation, liquidity forecasting, and relationships with banks and trade finance providers.
*Manage commodity-specific financial risks: hedging strategies, mark-to-market accounting, exposure monitoring (price, FX, credit, counter party), and P&L attribution in volatile markets.
*Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting (monthly management accounts, quarterly board packs, annual statutory accounts) in line with relevant accounting standards (IFRS / UK GAAP).
*Oversee internal controls, risk management frameworks, and compliance with regulatory requirements (including trade finance documentation, sanctions, AML, and commodities-specific regulations).
*Support commercial teams on deal structuring, trade finance facilities (e.g., letters of credit, structured commodity finance, prepayment facilities), margin requirements, and profitability analysis of trades.
*Collaborate with external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel on audits, tax planning, and corporate finance matters.
*Drive process improvements, implement or enhance financial systems / ERP tools, and ensure scalability as the business grows.
*Provide ad-hoc analysis and scenario modelling to support strategic decisions, M&A opportunities, or funding rounds.
Profile
Essential:
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA) with strong post-qualification experience.
* 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior finance role within commodities trading, trading houses, merchant companies, or related financial services (e.g., commodity trade finance, hedging operations).
* Proven track record in commodities markets, including exposure to physical trading, derivatives, hedging programmes, inventory financing, and/or structured trade finance.
* Strong understanding of commodity market dynamics, pricing mechanisms, margining, and risk management in volatile environments.
* Experience leading finance teams (even small ones) and working in entrepreneurial / fast-moving trading businesses.
* Excellent analytical, commercial, and communication skills; ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable business insights.
* Highly Desirable:
* Direct experience with precious metals(especially gold) trading, vaulting, financing, or related activities (physical / bullion / mining finance / jewellery supply chain).
* Familiarity with commodity-specific accounting (e.g., fair value accounting, broker statements, unrealised/realised P&L).
* Prior exposure to multi-currency operations, FX risk management, and international trade finance instruments.
Job Offer
*Flexible working
*Exciting growing business
*Competitive package