Interim Finance Director

Company Description Systemiq is a system change company and certified B Corp, driving the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. We work across five critical systems—energy, nature and food, materials and circular economy, sustainable finance, and urban transformation—to deliver real, lasting impact. We believe systems change starts with people change. That means curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work.

Since our start in 2016, we have grown to more than 300+ people working across locations in Brazil, Germany, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, UK and the US. We are a pure-play sustainability-focused company, dedicated exclusively to sustainability projects.

Interim Finance Director

Location: London

Duration: 12-month contract
Reports to: COO
Direct reports: 4 members of Finance team leadership, which includes a PMO function and a Grants Function
Timing: Start before Christmas 2025, to allow handover with incumbent CFO before their departure at year-end.

About Systemiq

We are a system change strategy company, working to accelerate the transition to sustainable and inclusive economies. We collaborate with business, finance, policymakers, and civil society to drive transformations in energy, nature and food, materials and circular economy, cities, and sustainable finance.

The Opportunity

With our incumbent CFO preparing to leave at the end of the year, and our Head of Finance due to return from maternity leave in summer 2026, we are seeking an Interim Finance Director for a 12-month period. This role combines oversight of financial control and statutory compliance with a strong focus on FP&A, PMO and business partnering. The successful candidate will ensure continuity across control, planning, reporting, and compliance, while supporting the COO and leadership team with business-critical decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

 Financial Control & Reporting

• Oversee statutory accounts, annual audit, and compliance processes (supported by Controller and Reporting Manager)
• Maintain a strong control environment across multiple global jurisdictions
• Ensure timely, accurate monthly and consolidated group reporting to internal stakeholders
• Strengthen financial systems and processes, embedding efficiency and best practice

 Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning across Systemiq
• Provide proactive analysis and insight to inform strategic decisions
• Partner with the COO, platform leads, and country leads to align financial plans with business objectives
• Drive improvements in reporting and performance metrics

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as finance partner to the leadership team, providing clarity on performance, risks, and opportunities
• Deputise for COO in selected leadership and board discussions, ensuring continuity in financial stewardship
• Support smooth transition and handovers: Fiona (outgoing CFO) → Interim FD → returning Head of Finance
• Liaising with COO, General Counsel and leadership team on effective risk management and mitigation, and monitoring organisational-wide risk register

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop a small, high-performing finance team, which includes a PMO function and grants function. The finance team has presence in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Jakarta and Sao Paolo.
• Provide hands-on coaching and support to ensure delivery during a period of transition.
• Foster collaboration, resilience, and accountability within the function and across the Operations team

Profile We’re Looking For

• Qualified accountant or equivalent, with strong FP&A and business partnering experience
• Track record of leading planning, forecasting, and reporting in a professional services, consultancy, or high-growth international environment
• Confident senior communicator, able to engage with COO, Operations leadership, partners, and board members.
• Experience managing financial reporting, audits, and compliance.
• Pragmatic, hands-on approach; able to balance strategy and operations.
• Available for a 12-month interim assignment, with ability to start before Christmas 2025

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role in a mission-driven, international organisation at a pivotal moment. You will combine your FP&A and finance leadership expertise to guide Systemiq through a key transition period — ensuring continuity while enabling the business to thrive

Applications from current residents in the following cities will be considered:

London, United Kingdom

Disclaimer: Please ensure you are legally eligible to work/live in your location when applying for this role. Visa sponsorship or relocation costs will not be provided.

 

 

Diversity & Inclusion At Systemiq, we believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to system change and our mission. We are committed to:

• Embedding diverse and inclusive practices in all aspects of our work, including recruitment, performance management, and people processes and policies.
• Providing a supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and perform at their best, regardless of background, personality, gender, sexual orientation, race, mental health, religion, or other characteristics.
• Supporting our people through all life stages, accommodating personal priorities, and promoting a sustainable approach to work and life.

Reward and Recognition The remuneration and benefits package will reflect the successful candidate's experience and expertise.

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