Head of Finance & Operations

Who are we? 

Sintali is an environmental certification company on a mission to accelerate the global transition to a sustainable built environment. We operate internationally, working in over 90 countries to verify and certify the environmental performance of buildings and green infrastructure, helping organisations around the world reduce their carbon footprint, create positive value for nature and drive meaningful impact.

As a purpose-driven and fast-growing SME, we combine technical expertise with innovation to scale climate solutions globally.

Our services are comprised of two core certification schemes; EDGE and Building with Nature. EDGE was created by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), member of the World Bank Group, and is an innovative green building standard and certification. EDGE makes it faster, easier and more affordable than ever before to build and brand green. EDGE is revolutionising green buildings around the world and enabling mass market transformation of the built environment. Building with Nature is the UK’s leading benchmark for green infrastructure. Building with Nature puts nature at the heart of development in a way that’s good for people and for wildlife.

Joining Sintali means being part of a passionate team that values integrity, collaboration, and the drive to make a real difference—while building the systems and infrastructure that support sustainable growth.

The role 

We are looking for a Head of Finance & Operations to lead our global financial and operational functions as we continue to scale. Operating in over 90 countries and with a newly incorporated subsidiary in India, this is a high-impact role at the centre of an ambitious and purpose-driven international business.

We’re seeking a strategic, hands-on leader who can navigate complexity, bring clarity to fast-moving situations, and build the internal systems that power sustainable growth. You’ll be responsible for everything from cash flow and compliance to performance metrics, operational efficiency, and overseeing international subsidiaries.

This role is all about driving accountability, improving cross-team operations, and creating scalable processes that grow with the business. To succeed, you’ll need a sharp eye for detail, strong financial expertise, and the ability to zoom out and solve big-picture challenges. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and love building things from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

Finance and accounting

• Oversee VAT, payroll, and corporation tax compliance.
• Oversee all bookkeeping and accounting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Manage cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Handle multi-currency (FX) financial operations, including currency exposure analysis and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with external accountants/auditors to prepare annual financial statements and undergo audits.
• Manage accounts payable/receivable and ensure timely reconciliations and reporting.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts and financial reports to senior leadership and the board.
• Develop and implement financial policies and internal controls.
• Provide financial modelling and scenario analysis to inform strategic decisions.

Operations Leadership

• Lead the operations function, overseeing cross-departmental efficiency, systems, and internal processes.
• Track key KPIs, develop dashboards, and support in the accountability of performance metrics across the business.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation across departments and lead implementation.
• Manage HR, legal, IT, and administrative processes (either directly or through third parties).
• Establish and maintain risk management practices across financial, operational, and compliance areas.
• Line management of operations team.
• Develop and oversee procurement policies, contract management, and vendor relationships.
• Support setup and oversight of the operations of international subsidiaries.

What are we looking for?

Must-Have

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• 5+ years of experience in a financial management/controller role, ideally in a smaller, fast-paced, growing organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in managing bookkeeping, preparing management accounts, and handling multi-currency financials.
• Strong understanding of operational systems and business processes.
• Ability to develop a KPI driven organisation with both leading and lagging KPIs.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Results-driven and self-motivated.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities. 

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in a sustainability-focused or purpose-driven business.
• Experience working across multiple countries or in an international environment.
• Exposure to scaling startups.
• Familiarity with SaaS tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or similar accounting software.
• Background in consulting, finance, or operations transformation.

What does Sintali offer you?

• A challenging position within a fast-growing, purpose-driven, international startup, with a real opportunity to have significant impact on our vision and business growth
• A remote-first work environment with regular in-person meetings in central London
• A team of enthusiastic, passionate colleagues who prioritise collaboration and impact
• Space for personal development, career opportunities and contributing to a sustainable future
• One paid day off for volunteering
• Life insurance
• A competitive salary and benefits package including 25 days holiday