Head of Finance

AtkinsClarke are supporting a growing, well-backed organisation with the appointment of an Interim Head of Finance to provide leadership and stability during a critical period. This is a hands-on leadership role, stepping into a well-established but evolving finance function to ensure control, improve performance and support the business through a demanding financial cycle. The role requires someone who is comfortable taking ownership quickly, setting clear expectations and driving improvements - not just maintaining the status quo.

Our client is a high-growth, operationally focused business with revenues of c.£90m, operating within a specialist, evolving and market-proof sector. The business has experienced strong growth and investment in recent years, alongside some operational and financial challenges that are now driving a renewed focus on control, performance and forward planning. Finance plays a central role in this - supporting operational delivery, improving visibility and ensuring the business is set up for sustainable growth.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will take full ownership of the finance function, leading a team of c.10–12 people and ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely and insightful financial information. This is a broad and hands-on Head of Finance role, with a strong focus on both control and team leadership. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the monthly close process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
• Managing and developing a multi-layered finance team across transactional and management accounting
• Driving improvements across AR/AP processes, particularly around cash collection and controls
• Strengthening financial governance, controls and balance sheet integrity
• Delivering clear variance analysis and meaningful insight to support decision-making
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes
• Leading year-end activities and managing external audit relationships
• Reviewing and improving finance processes, systems and team structure
• Partnering with operational stakeholders to drive accountability and performance

A key part of the role will be moving the team beyond transactional processing into a more value-adding, insight-led function.

We are looking for a capable, resilient finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced and sometimes challenging environment. You will bring:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualification (or equivalent)
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Head of Finance within a growing or complex business
• Strong technical accounting and financial control capability
• Experience leading and developing sizeable finance teams
• The confidence to challenge, reset expectations and address performance issues where needed
• A proactive, “roll sleeves up” approach with a focus on improvement and delivery
• Experience within project-based, operational or infrastructure-led businesses would be advantageous but is not essential.

6-month interim contract (potential for extension or longer-term opportunity). Day rate between £350 – £400 per day (inside IR35). High-impact leadership role with immediate responsibility. Opportunity to shape and improve a finance function during a key period. Hybrid working with 3–4 days on-site required.

To apply for this position, please click on the apply now button and your CV will be sent directly to the responsible recruiter. We will respond to successful applicants within 7 days, however, please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about your application. At AtkinsClarke, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Atkins Clarke Ltd. Our Privacy Policy is available on request and explains how we will use your data.