Funding Manager & Business Advisor

Virgin StartUp exists to support founders that are looking to start, fund or scale an early-stage business in the UK and we run a number of programmes that help entrepreneurs do just that.

The Funding Manager side of the role will see you assessing applications (business plans and cash flow forecasts) that are submitted, conducting due diligence on these in line with The Start Up Loans Company’s Lending Standards, and ultimately deciding which founders and which business propositions are suitable for funding.

The Business Advisor side of the role will see you providing advice, guidance and support to founders applying for a Start Up Loan – supporting them through the process and helping them turn their business idea into a viable business proposition that is suitable for funding.

This role encompasses both Funding Manager and Business Advisor responsibilities. Whilst the balance will fluctuate month-to-month, we envisage around 80% of your time will be spent as a Funding Manager and 20% as a Business Advisor.

Funding Manager Role

• Assessing business plans, cash flow forecasts and personal survival budgets to evaluate the viability of start-up businesses across a diverse range of industries.
• Analysing the suitability of an applicant / business for loan funding including their ability to repay the loan.
• Complete KYC checks – Bank Checks, ID Checks etc. - using platforms specified by The Start Up Loans Company.
• Ensuring all required data and information is obtained to make informed lending decisions and that complete submissions are retained in line with Virgin StartUp requirements.
• Making final decisions on whether to approve or decline applications in-line with current lending policy and Virgin StartUp guidance.
• Providing constructive feedback to applicants where we’re unable to support a particular business and/or founder based on the current application.
• Assisting in maintaining a high standard of applications across our network of partners by providing feedback / guidance to business advisors. This includes collating and sharing best practice between partners and supporting training efforts where appropriate.
• Ensuring work conforms to the procedures and standards set out in the Start Up Loans Company’s Minimum Standards and Lending Standards.
• Support the delivery of other programmes, in providing assessment and due diligence of business propositions.

Business Advisor Role

• Conduct initial assessment of the viability of the business idea, determine what support is needed, agree action plans and provide feedback.
• Review founder’s business plan and assist them to further develop and improve their underlying proposition and cash flow forecasts until they are ready to submit to the Loan Panel.
• Produce detailed loan application appraisals before submitting the applications to the Loan Panel for funding decision.
• Maintain all quality procedures relating to a founder’s file and keep up to date records on the CRM in line with VSU requirements.
• Ensure that the support provided conforms to the Start Up Loans Company’s Minimum Standards and any additional policies set out by Virgin StartUp.
• Motivate founders and manage caseload effectively to ensure applicants are supported to a conclusion in a reasonable time frame.
• Share learnings and insights with the team, to help inform and shape best practice amongst Regional Partners and Freelance Business Advisors.

Experience

• Direct experience in assessing business plans and start-up financials
• Proven understanding of commercial business gained through either SME management or experience of running own business
• Extensive knowledge of key business aspects that affect the success of start-ups

Qualifications

CIMA or similar accounting qualification a plus, but not essential

Personal Attributes

Our Culture Pact sets out the attributes we look for in our Virgin people:

Purpose driven – You are values driven, striving to be human, brave and visionary in how you work. You are committed to doing the right thing and relish doing your bit to help us change business for good.

Inclusive team player - You are a curious, perceptive collaborative and responsive team player. Keen to learn and understand, you recognise the strength in diversity and seek to behave inclusively always. You are thoughtful and supportive and consistently value the ideas and contribution of others.

Flexible and future focused - You are flexible but remain focused, and always balance the needs of the company and team with your own priorities. You willingly adapt to the evolving needs of the business, are receptive to new ways of working and keen to play your part in driving positive change in our culture.

Always accountable - You embrace responsibility and take pride in doing your best work, with full ownership for quality and results. You are solutions-orientated and work hard to get the job done - with passion, determination and resilience to succeed. You own your continuous development and are always seeking to improve and upskill.

Pioneering - You are innovative, explore all possibilities and create new opportunities. You push boundaries and challenge the status quo, taking calculated risks where appropriate, acting always with integrity yet with a sense of fun and creativity.