Head of Finance

In this role, you will oversee the company's financial operations and support the CFO/COO in developing and executing the finance strategy. The business is a well-established and renowned industry leader that collaborates with a diverse range of long-term investors, facilitating communication between institutional investors, fund managers, companies, advisers, and service providers. It helps companies thrive and achieve their long-term goals, promoting both economic growth and societal impact.

As the Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in driving the company's financial success. Your responsibilities will include managing and leading the finance team, overseeing the production of management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and analysis, treasury and cash management, tax planning, compliance, and financial reporting. You will also collaborate with senior executives to produce analyses and models that inform strategic decision-making.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to contribute actively to the business's growth and success. As part of the Leadership Team, you will serve as a conduit to senior management, helping to roll out operational and strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial management, particularly within small organisations.

In leading the finance team with high cross-team visibility, you will have both strategic input and operational responsibility. You will be responsible for producing budgets, reforecasts, KPI financial reporting, and financial analysis. Your role will require technical proficiency and the timely, accurate delivery of financial information.

As a change agent for the finance department, you will anticipate business needs through data analysis and regular interaction with the Senior Management Team and Heads of Departments. You will support the CFO/COO in formulating recommendations to senior management.

Additional projects will include enhancing the finance team's technology and internal controls, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and implementing best practices in all accounting matters.

The business request their people are in the office at least twice a week and are based in Central London.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations, reporting to the CFO/COO.
• Actively manage and lead the finance team, providing guidance, support, and coaching to build a centre of excellence.
• Apply strong technical expertise in reviewing and approving the Finance Manager's work, including management accounts, payroll, payment runs, and taxes (P11D, PAYE Settlement, VAT, Corporation Tax).
• Work with the Finance Manager to produce budgets, reforecasts, and management accounts.
• Prepare reports and analysis for senior management and the board of directors; confidently present information at SMT meetings when required.
• Develop and implement financial planning and analysis processes to shape commercial reporting and KPIs.
• Partner with other teams to produce analyses and models to inform strategic decision-making, including pricing strategies.
• Monitor, manage, and produce cash flow, reserves planning, treasury, and risk management activities.
• Oversee new software implementation and development as required; act as the Finance representative in key IT projects.
• Review contracts and negotiate with suppliers as needed.
• Ensure the finance team's work meets the necessary presentational standards for senior management and the board.
• Provide support to complete work as necessary.

Requirements

• Qualified Accountant with 10+ years of experience.
• Proven experience in financial reporting and reconciliations.
• Proven track record in coaching and team management.
• Excellent financial modelling skills.
• Technical knowledge of FRS102, VAT, CT, and PAYE regulations. Understanding of Partial VAT regulations and Mutual Trader Tax status is beneficial but not essential (training will be provided).
• Experience in supporting technology upgrades.
• Strong leadership, multi-tasking, and deadline-meeting skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships at the highest level.
• Reliability and excellent time management.
• Strong upward management skills, capable of distilling details to highlight key points or issues.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to leverage financial analysis for business growth and informed decision-making.
• Ability to review and negotiate contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Excel (VLOOKUPS, HLOOKUPS, SUMIFS, Pivot tables), PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with Business Central and PowerBI is beneficial but not essential (training will be provided).
• Previous experience working in an SME.

In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.