Head of Finance

Overview

We are seeking a highly capable Head of Finance to take ownership of the finance function within a dynamic and ambitious business. This is a pivotal role that blends strategic input with hands-on delivery, ensuring smooth financial operations, compliance, and insightful reporting. You will act as a trusted partner to the leadership team, enabling sustainable growth and helping to shape the company's long-term financial direction.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, professional services or project-based environment, where services, people, and time drive revenue. You'll be confident running a lean finance function with independence and commercial focus, while also influencing business strategy and decision-making.

Company Benefits

• 25 days holiday (including 3 days reserved for Christmas)
• Pension (4% employee, 5% employer contributions)
• Life insurance (4x salary) + Employee Assistance Programme
• Discretionary annual bonus (up to 10%)
• Free parking at office site

Key Responsibilities

• Finance Leadership: Build and lead the finance function, embedding systems and processes that support scale and efficiency.
• Reporting & Insights: Produce accurate, timely management reports, dashboards, KPIs and financial insights for the leadership team and Board.
• Day-to-Day Operations: Manage all accounting activities including general ledger, reconciliations, accruals, journal entries and month-end close.
• Project & Commercial Support: Track project profitability, utilisation, and margins; partner with teams on pricing, bids and proposals.
• Revenue Recognition: Ensure revenue is accounted for correctly across different contract structures (time and materials, fixed fee, milestones).
• Cash Flow & Treasury: Oversee forecasting, invoicing, collections, banking and working capital management.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead financial planning cycles, scenario modelling and reforecasts to support strategic growth.
• Systems & Automation: Enhance integration across finance, CRM and project tools to improve data accuracy and real-time insight.
• Compliance & Year-End: Oversee statutory accounts, audits, tax filings, VAT returns, and liaise with external auditors/advisors.
• Controls & Risk: Implement strong internal controls, governance and risk management practices.
• Funding & Grants: Manage claims and reporting for any funded projects, ensuring compliance and accurate allocation of costs.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive efficiency, scalability and best practice across finance processes and policies.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 5+ years' post-qualified experience.
• Experience in a professional services, consulting or project-driven environment is essential.
• Proven track record of running or leading a standalone finance function in a fast-growing business.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting, revenue recognition and utilisation metrics.
• Skilled in Xero and advanced Excel, with experience in financial automation and system integrations.
• Confident operating at both strategic and operational levels.
• Excellent understanding of UK financial and tax regulations.
• Commercially astute with the ability to influence decisions through actionable financial insight.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, hands-on operator who thrives on variety.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to see the bigger picture.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Calm, resilient and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Confident communicator, able to explain financials clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• High integrity, dependable and collaborative.
• Willing to challenge assumptions constructively and contribute strategically.

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