Head Of Group Finance in London

Job Description

Location:

Home-based, UKReporting to: Chief Financial OfficerThe OpportunityWe are working with a growing UK-based technology and software group to appoint a Head of Group Finance as they continue their substantial growth phase.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this is an important role within a small, experienced Group Finance function. It would suit a qualified accountant who is looking to broaden their remit and take greater ownership across Group reporting, financial control, forecasting, technical accounting and finance improvement.

The business operates through a number of established divisions, each with its own finance capability, alongside a central Group Finance team and external advisers. The successful candidate will therefore not be expected to personally deliver every aspect of the finance function. Instead, the role is about bringing together the right people, providing clear Group-level ownership and judgement, and improving consistency, visibility and efficiency across the wider organisation.

There is also a genuine opportunity to help shape the next stage of the finance function. The business is looking to make better use of systems, automation and emerging technology to reduce manual processes and give finance teams more time to focus on analysis, review, challenge and decision support.

The first few months will involve getting to know the different businesses, understanding how the current finance processes and systems operate, and building relationships with divisional finance leaders and key stakeholders. From there, the successful candidate will work with the CFO to establish a practical roadmap for improving the Group Finance function over the following 12 months.

This is a hands-on role with genuine scope to grow. We are particularly interested in people who combine strong technical finance fundamentals with commercial curiosity, sound judgement and an interest in how technology can improve the way finance operates.

Key ResponsibilitiesGroup Reporting & Financial ControlTake ownership of the Group's monthly consolidation and management reporting process.

Lead the Group's half-year and year-end reporting processes, coordinating information and deliverables across the business and with external advisers.

Improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of Group reporting.

Strengthen financial controls, processes and supporting documentation across the Group.

Identify opportunities to simplify and automate recurring reporting and finance activities.

Audit & Technical AccountingLead the Group audit process, coordinating with external auditors and supporting subsidiary-level audit activity where required.

Provide technical accounting guidance across the Group, with particular focus on IFRS and UK GAAP.Lead technical accounting assessments and contribute to the development and maintenance of Group accounting policies.

Prepare clear, well-reasoned accounting papers and documentation for significant or judgemental areas.

Work with divisional finance teams and advisers to ensure accounting treatments are appropriately considered and consistently applied.

Planning, Forecasting & Business InsightLead the Group budgeting and forecasting cycle, working closely with the CFO and divisional finance teams. Develop and improve the Group's approach to forecasting, financial analysis and performance reporting.

Support the CFO with financial analysis, management information and decision support.

Help develop the use of Group reporting and FP&A tools to improve visibility, accuracy and efficiency.

Identify opportunities to improve data quality and reduce manual intervention through automation and better use of technology.

Explore practical applications of AI and other emerging finance tools where they can add genuine value.

Tax, Transactions & Corporate ReportingCoordinate Group tax matters with the relevant external advisers.

Support corporate activity, including acquisitions and integration, from a finance and accounting perspective.

Consider the accounting, reporting and control implications of changes within the Group.

Provide support for investor, board and other corporate reporting requirements as required.

Leadership & DevelopmentAct as a senior source of finance expertise, judgement and support within the Group.

Provide coaching, mentoring and support to members of the Group Finance team.

Work closely with divisional finance leaders to improve consistency, capability and ways of working across the wider finance function.

Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and external advisers.

Provide senior support to the CFO and deputise where appropriate.

Lead through influence as well as direct reporting lines, bringing people together around common processes, standards and priorities.

About YouWe are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong core finance experience and the ambition to take on a broader Group-level role.

You may currently be working as a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or similar, or already have some Head of Finance responsibilities and be ready to take the next step.

You are likely to have: Strong experience across financial reporting, month-end, management accounts and financial control.

Experience of Group reporting, consolidation or audit within a multi-entity environment. Good working knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP, with the confidence to investigate and resolve technical accounting matters.

Experience working across multiple businesses, entities or divisions.

Strong Excel and financial systems capability, together with a genuine interest in improving how finance uses data and technology.

Experience of budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.

The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurately against important deadlines.

The confidence to make and communicate sound accounting and commercial judgements. A practical, hands-on approach and the willingness to get involved when required.

Experience within software, technology, SaaS or wider services businesses would be useful, but is not essential.

Similarly, experience within a listed, investor-backed or PE-backed environment, multi-currency structures, FP&A platforms, automation or AI-enabled finance processes would be advantageous.

The PersonMore than anything, we are looking for someone with the ability and attitude to grow with the role.

You will be comfortable operating in a lean environment where you may need to get into the detail one day and provide senior-level challenge and direction the next. You will be naturally curious, commercially minded and interested in understanding how the wider business operates rather than viewing finance in isolation.

You should be someone who: Takes ownership and follows things through to completion.

Is comfortable working hands-on while developing their leadership scope.

Can challenge constructively and build credibility with senior stakeholders.

Enjoys improving processes rather than simply maintaining them.

Has an interest in systems, automation and finding better ways of working.

Can work effectively through periods of change and competing demands.

Is confident enough to make decisions while knowing when to seek specialist input.

Wants to build a broader Group Finance career over time.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to join a business at a point where the finance function is ready for its next stage of development.

You will have the support of an experienced CFO, divisional finance teams and external advisers, while having genuine ownership of important Group-level responsibilities. The role offers the opportunity to influence how reporting, controls, forecasting, systems and processes develop as the organisation continues to grow.

For the right person, it provides a clear opportunity to move beyond a traditional reporting-focused role and develop broader experience across Group Finance,technical accounting, FP&A, systems, transformation, leadership and commercial decision support.