Ark Recruitment is partnering with a highly respected international events and intelligence business to recruit an experienced Head of Finance.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established organisation that has experienced significant growth in recent years and is now entering its next phase of expansion. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy of the business while leading the day-to-day finance function.
We're looking for a commercially minded finance leader who enjoys combining strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and wants to make a genuine impact within a growing SME.
The Role
As Head of Finance, you'll take ownership of the entire finance function, ensuring robust financial controls while providing commercial insight to support business growth and strategic decision-making.
Working closely with the leadership team, you'll oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance and cash flow management, whilst driving improvements to systems, processes and financial governance. Importantly, you’ll be in charge of preparing the business for external auditing following their exceptional growth over the last three years.
This is a broad leadership role offering significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence the future direction of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the finance function and manage the day-to-day accounting operations
- Produce monthly management accounts, financial reports and board reporting
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management
- Ensure compliance with UK Financial Reporting Standards and statutory requirements
- Manage year-end accounts and external audit processes
- Oversee payroll, VAT returns and financial reconciliations
- Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and reporting
- Partner with senior leadership to provide commercial insight and support strategic decision-making
- Lead, coach and develop the finance team
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance
About You
We're looking for an experienced finance professional who enjoys working within a growing, entrepreneurial business and can operate both strategically and operationally.
You’ll likely bring:
- ACCA or ICAEW qualification (ACA or CIMA full or part qualified desirable)
- Previous experience leading a finance function within an SME or growing business
- Proven hands on experience managing external audits from planning through to completion
- Strong experience producing management accounts, statutory reporting and year-end accounts
- Excellent knowledge of UK accounting standards and financial compliance
- Experience managing audits, VAT and payroll processes
- Strong commercial awareness with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders
- Proven experience implementing or improving finance systems, controls and processes
- Previous people management and leadership experience
- Experience using Xero is highly desirable
What's On Offer
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- 28 days annual leave plus an additional discretionary Christmas shutdown
- Opportunity to work directly with the senior leadership team and recruit your own team as the business continues to grow
- Regular company socials and international event travel
- Genuine opportunity to influence the growth and direction of a successful business
Head of Finance in Chelmsford employer: Ark Recruitment EST
Ark Recruitment EST is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to international travel opportunities and the chance to lead impactful B2B conferences across diverse sectors, ensuring your career flourishes in a global events organization. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and success while providing a supportive hybrid working environment.
