At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and shape financial strategy for a growing business.
- Company: Join a respected international events and intelligence company with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, Christmas shutdown, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to recruit your own team and influence business direction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working closely with senior leadership in a growing SME.
- Qualifications: ACCA or ICAEW qualified with experience in finance leadership and external audits.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
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 Essex 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Essex
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ark Recruitment EST. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ark Recruitment EST.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ark Recruitment EST's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Recruitment EST
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ark Recruitment EST.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ark Recruitment EST will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ark Recruitment EST employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
