Interim Finance Director; mat cover

About Applied Computing

Applied Computing builds foundation models for the most valuable and consequential sectors on the planet, all within the energy chain. We came out of stealth less than a year ago and have already seen exceptional success. We’re now looking to grow our team with world‑class minds who are driven to grow into the best version of themselves and to put their shoulder behind the wheel of applied AI, so we’re recruiting a Head of Talent to help us hire, retain and cultivate the best the planet has to offer, to help us scale the adoption of the technology the planet desperately needs.

Applied Computing builds foundation models for the most valuable and consequential sectors on the planet, all within the energy chain. We came out of stealth less than a year ago and have already seen exceptional success. We’re now looking to grow our team with world‑class minds who are driven to grow into the best version of themselves and to put their shoulder behind the wheel of applied AI, so we’re recruiting a Head of Talent to help us hire, retain and cultivate the best the planet has to offer, to help us scale the adoption of the technology the planet desperately needs.

We're seeking an experienced Interim Finance Director to join our leadership team during a pivotal growth phase. This maternity cover position offers the opportunity to shape financial strategy and operations as we scale following our successful Series A funding round.

You’ll work closely with the CEO, leadership team and board, taking ownership of all financial, legal and people operations while building the infrastructure needed to support our next phase of growth. This is a hands‑on role that combines strategic thinking with operational execution.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• 8+ years of progressive finance experience with at least 3 years in a senior finance role
• Proven experience in high‑growth technology or start‑up environments, ideally post Series A
• Strong understanding of venture capital funding dynamics and investor expectations
• Strong understanding of commercial and legal structuring and risk management process
• Track record of building financial processes and systems from the ground up in multiple jurisdictions (experience with the US is a plus)

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
• Hands‑on and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, ambiguous environment
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate complex financial information for non‑financial stakeholders
• Confident working with senior leadership and boards
• Adaptable and pragmatic problem‑solverll
• Strong technical accounting knowledge combined with business partnering skills

• Experience supporting fundraising rounds (Series B or beyond)
• Knowledge of SaaS metrics and unit economics
• Experience in AI and energy industry is a plus

• Own the company’s financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes
• Provide strategic financial insights to support business decisions and growth initiatives
• Develop and monitor key financial metrics and KPIs
• Prepare board reports and materials for investor updates
• Support the CEO in fundraising activities and investor relations

• Manage day‑to‑day financial operations including accounting, payroll, and cash management in the UK and India. Help us set up subsidiaries in the US and Qatar.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly management accounts
• Oversee structuring of key contracts with customers, investors, employees and services providers (with the help of legal counsel)
• Oversee compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements
• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, legal and tax advisors
• Implement and refine financial controls and processes to support scaling
• Act as interim People leader while we are recruiting a dedicated person to take over

• Lead and develop the finance and cyber team (6 FTE and one part‑time legal counsel, further 2 FTEs in plan in 2026)
• Drive improvements in financial systems and reporting infrastructure
• Establish scalable processes and frameworks for the next growth phase