Launch list, best private sector team – Funding Circle

In the latest issue of 20, we’ve saluted accounting firms that have shown a forward looking attitude to the evolving world of work, check out our Launch list of best private sector firms below. 

1. Funding Circle

London-based peer-to-peer lender offers office buzz and feelgood factor. Employees get the buzz of working in a fast-paced environment, using cutting-edge tech; lunchtime table tennis sessions; learning new skills through the FC Academy, and the feelgood factor that comes with helping small business grow.

James Meekings, UK managing director and co-founder, Funding Circle, says: “People like the fact that Funding Circle has always been passionate about building a 21st-century company. When I give an induction for new staff, I say we’re all going to spend a lot of time in the office, so we may as well enjoy the time we have together.” 

Is that why you’ve got table tennis and other fun activities? 

JAMES: Yes, we have table tennis, pool tables, free breakfasts and nice coffee, which is also free. But I think people like working here because we’re a mission-led business trying to fix a broken financial system. 

Does helping small companies grow give staff more sense of satisfaction? 

JAMES: Yes. Our employees can go out and visit small businesses and see how they operate. It’s magical when you see how we’ve helped them grow. We recently worked with a ‘Canine Creche’ – a hotel for dogs. That market is booming. Some of our customers are microbreweries. Our staff love it when they visit on Fridays to give free beer tastings. 

What do the finance team enjoy about working there? 

JAMES: We’ve got 46 finance employees worldwide. When you ask them what they like about Funding Circle, they’ll probably talk about the lack of hierarchy. There are no offices, so if somebody wants to ask our chief financial officer a question at his desk, they can. They feel they can contribute more than at other companies, where they [worked in silos] and didn’t have access to the senior team as much. 

What do you look for in new staff? 

JAMES: One of our values is ‘live the adventure’. We want people who are passionate and can share that passion around the business. As for nurturing talent, we have the FC Academy. It’s a programme where any member of staff can give a course. This could be, ‘How to Handle Yourself In A Difficult Situation’, ‘How To Give Feedback’ or even lessons in photography. We’ve also got ‘Bright Ideas Days’, where people can take a day off to work on something they feel is additive to the business. You could be working in the finance team, but if you’ve got an idea that could help marketing, you can take a day off – with your manager’s permission – and develop it. 

Any messages for AAT students? 

JAMES: If people want to work in a fun, energetic environment, they should come and work for us. 

More info: www.fundingcircle.com

Christian Koch is an award-winning journalist/editor who has written for the Evening Standard, Sunday Times, Guardian, Telegraph, The Independent, Q, The Face and Metro. He's also written about business for Accounting Technician, 20 and Director, where he is contributing editor.