Head of Finance

Job title: Head of Finance

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Wokingham (4 days in the office, 1 WFH)

Salary: up to £90,000 + bonus + benefits

Overview

Our client is a successful, privately owned business with annual revenues exceeding £30 million and a strong reputation within its sector. As the organisation continues to evolve and invest in its operational infrastructure, it is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Finance to lead the finance function and act as a trusted adviser to the Board.

Recent investment in finance systems has provided a strong platform for future growth, and the business is now focused on enhancing reporting capabilities, improving visibility of performance across departments, and strengthening financial decision-making.

Role Summary

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Head of Finance will be responsible for leading the day-to-day finance function while providing timely, accurate, and insightful financial information to support strategic and operational decision-making.

This is a highly visible role that combines financial leadership, technical accounting expertise, business partnering, and team management. The successful candidate will be a hands-on finance professional who enjoys operating close to the detail while influencing senior stakeholders across the organisation.

The position offers the opportunity to shape the next phase of the finance function's development, driving improvements in reporting, budgeting, and financial controls while supporting the continued success of a well-established business.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board's trusted day-to-day finance partner, delivering accurate and timely financial information to support decision-making
• Lead, manage, and develop a small finance team, ensuring effective delivery of all finance activities
• Produce monthly management accounts, cashflow reports, KPI reporting, and financial analysis
• Monitor financial performance and provide insight into risks, opportunities, and key business drivers
• Provide ad hoc commercial analysis to support pricing, investment, and operational decisions
• Serve as the primary finance contact for stakeholders across the business, providing guidance and support on financial matters

Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Build upon recent finance system implementations to improve reporting capability and operational efficiency
• Develop more automated and insightful management reporting for Board-level decision-making
• Partner with departmental leaders to introduce and embed monthly functional reporting
• Support the development and implementation of departmental budgets across the organisation
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, controls, and reporting frameworks
• Identify opportunities to improve data quality, accuracy, and financial visibility

Financial Control, Audit & Compliance

• Lead the annual audit process and act as the key point of contact for external auditors
• Support the preparation of statutory financial statements and ensure timely filing requirements are met
• Oversee compliance activities including VAT, PAYE, and other statutory obligations
• Maintain robust financial controls across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and banking
• Manage cashflow, banking relationships, and supplier/customer payment processes
• Ensure financial records remain accurate, complete, and compliant with relevant regulations

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Build strong relationships with the Board, senior leadership team, and departmental managers
• Provide financial insight and challenge to support operational and strategic objectives
• Work collaboratively across the business to improve financial awareness and accountability
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning activities
• Mentor and develop finance team members, fostering a high-performance culture
• Act as a dependable and trusted adviser within a privately owned business environment

To Be Suitable

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience within a Head of Finance, Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or similar senior finance position
• Strong management accounting, financial control, and statutory compliance expertise
• Experience managing year-end audits and preparing statutory financial statements
• Knowledge of Sage Intacct or similar modern ERP/accounting systems
• Experience leading and developing finance teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance leader seeking a broad and influential Head of Finance position within a successful privately owned business.

The role offers significant visibility across the organisation, close interaction with senior leadership, and the opportunity to shape the future reporting, budgeting, and financial management framework of a growing business.

Application Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to provide individual feedback to all unsuccessful candidates