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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, oversee financial control, and partner with senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join a PE-backed infrastructure company known for excellence and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a key growth phase and shape your own finance team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in a lead finance role and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Direct access to senior leadership and influence within a private equity-backed group.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Forge Talent are recruiting a hands-on Head of Finance for a PE Backed infrastructure company that’s recently joined a bigger group based in Battle (East Sussex) on a permanent basis. With a £50m turnover and a reputation for delivering excellence to clients, there is an opportunity to take ownership of a high-impact finance function during a key growth phase. This is a genuine leadership role for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves while steering the strategic finance agenda. You’ll report into the Group Finance Director and partner with senior stakeholders across the wider Group, being instrumental in rebuilding the finance team, processes, and systems to support future scalability.
Responsibilities:
- Overseeing all aspects of financial control, reporting, and compliance for the business.
- Leading the rebuild and development of the finance function, including team structure, systems, and processes.
- Driving the production of accurate monthly management accounts, KPIs and variance analysis.
- Acting as a business partner to operational leaders, providing financial insight to support commercial decisions.
- Supporting and improving cashflow forecasting, working capital management, and cost controls.
- Leading budgeting and forecasting cycles, including long-term planning.
- Preparing for and managing year-end audit processes.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and group reporting requirements.
- Supporting integration workstreams as part of the wider Network Plus acquisition and cross-selling strategy.
Qualifications & Experience:
- A qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical grounding.
- Proven experience in a lead finance role within a medium-sized, fast-paced business (ideally £30m–£100m turnover).
- Comfortable being hands-on; this isn’t a ‘purely strategic’ role; you’ll be in the numbers.
- Experience of team leadership and/or building a finance function from the ground up.
- Strong stakeholder management skills; confident partnering with operations, commercial and exec-level teams.
Salary & Benefits:
- £75,000-£85,000
- Bonus up to 15%
- 25 days annual leave plus statutory
- Private Medical
- Hybrid Working (3/2)
- A leadership role with real autonomy, influence and growth potential
- The chance to build and shape your own finance team
- Direct access to senior leadership and visibility within a private equity-backed group
Head of Finance employer: Forge Talent
Contact Detail:
Forge Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in private equity-backed companies. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in finance management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities faced by infrastructure companies. Understanding the nuances of this sector will help you demonstrate your strategic insight during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in rebuilding finance functions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented processes that improved financial performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent developments and their integration into the larger group. Showing that you understand their current position and future goals will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance leadership roles, particularly in medium-sized businesses. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and any hands-on financial management experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed, such as rebuilding finance functions and managing compliance.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide specific examples of your experience in team leadership and stakeholder management. Highlight instances where you successfully partnered with operational leaders to drive financial insights.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Illustrate your ability to contribute to strategic finance agendas. Mention your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, and how these skills will support the company's growth phase.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forge Talent
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires a hands-on approach, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past where you actively engaged in financial processes. Highlight your experience in rebuilding finance functions and how you contributed to the success of previous teams.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
This position involves partnering with senior stakeholders, so it's crucial to illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with various teams. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your experience in collaborating with operational and executive-level teams to drive financial insights.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
As a qualified accountant, expect technical questions related to financial control, reporting, and compliance. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Discuss Your Vision for the Finance Function
Given the opportunity to shape the finance team and processes, come prepared with ideas on how you would approach this task. Share your vision for building a scalable finance function and how you plan to implement effective budgeting and forecasting cycles.
