Head of Finance

About Quantum Base

Quantum Base exists to make quantum science useful. Founded at Lancaster University in 2015 by Professor Robert Young, we have spent a decade solving a problem the security industry had accepted as unsolvable: smartphone authentication that is secure, yet simple enough for anyone to use.

Our core technology, Q-ID®, is an authentication fingerprint built on quantum physics that anyone can authenticate in under three seconds with the smartphone already in their pocket. Impossibly simple. Atomically secure.

Q-ID® is protected by more than 40 patents, and is already protecting around two billion products worldwide. We work with printers and brands to make smartphone authentication accessible for any product, anywhere in the world.

Quantum Base has a team of 21, is based in Lancaster and London and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LON: QUBE) in 2025. See Q-ID® in action: https://www.quantumbase.com/how-q-id-works

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Head of Finance to lead our finance function, deliver strong financial control and reporting, streamline processes with automation, and support our growth, with strong potential for career progression as the business expands.

Working closely with the CEO and board, you will combine technical accounting expertise with commercial judgement. You will also improve our systems and processes, building an efficient finance function that meets listed-company requirements without unnecessary complexity.

You will also have access to a fractional AIM experienced CFO for more strategic listed board level support (where required), as well as our external accountancy firm and legal advisors.

Key responsibilities

• Financial reporting: Lead the team to deliver management accounts, annual and interim financial statements, group consolidation and audit delivery, ensuring accurate reporting and well-managed deadlines.
• Planning and cash: Lead budgeting, forecasting and cash management, providing clear visibility of performance, commitments, risks and funding requirements.
• Financial control: Maintain robust, proportionate controls and oversee day-to-day accounting, billing, collections, payments, payroll and tax compliance.
• Commercial support: Provide clear analysis and constructive challenge on contract wording, pricing, margins, expenditure and investment decisions.
• Systems and improvement: Improve finance processes and use automation and appropriate AI tools to reduce manual work, strengthen controls and improve reporting. Our goal is an efficient finance function that uses technology to reduce repetitive work, strengthen controls and create more time for analysis and decision-making.
• Team leadership: Lead and develop the Finance Manager, coordinate support from the Office & Operations Manager, and remain actively involved in detailed finance work.
• Listed-company governance and compliance: Own the finance elements of the company’s AIM and wider regulatory obligations, including the financial reporting calendar, market-sensitive financial information, audit committee support and liaison with the company’s nominated adviser, brokers, auditors and other professional advisers.
• Treasury & risk management: Maintain oversight of banking arrangements, financial and operational risks, and business continuity matters within the finance remit.
• Technical accounting and tax: Lead the group's key accounting judgements, including development cost capitalisation, and oversee the R&D tax credit claim, working with external advisers.

What we are looking for

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical accounting, IFRS and financial reporting capability.
• Experience taking direct responsibility for a broad finance function, including accounts preparation, audit, budgeting and cash forecasting.
• A practical, commercially minded leader who communicates clearly, takes ownership and works effectively within a small team.
• A track record of improving finance systems and processes. QuickBooks experience would be useful but is not essential.
• Strong working knowledge of AIM-quoted company reporting and governance requirements, audit committee processes and the financial controls expected in a public company (preferred but not mandatory).

Benefits

Some of our benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave, plus public holidays.
• Flexible hours around agreed meetings and business commitments.
• Hybrid working (2 days per week in the London Office, Old St).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Pension.
• Annual bonus.
• Participation in the company share scheme.

This is a rare chance to lead the Finance Team at a growing AIM-listed technology business making a real difference with its inventions.