At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive financial strategy in a fast-growing hospitality business.
- Company: Dynamic hospitality and events company with a strong reputation across the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ90k, bonus, and excellent benefits.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in a vibrant, entrepreneurial environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance experience and a strategic mindset.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and mentor a finance team in a high-energy setting.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
A fast-growing, entrepreneurial hospitality & events business operating across the UK and Europe is entering its next phase of growth. With a strong reputation for premium delivery across events, catering and pop-ups, the business is now looking to build out a best-in-class finance function.
This is a critical senior hire, reporting directly into the Managing Director. The Head of Finance will take full ownership of the finance agenda, driving robust financial control, providing sharp commercial insight, and acting as a true business partner to leadership across sales, operations and production.
This is a hands‑on, fully rounded leadership role suited to someone equally comfortable in strategy and getting stuck into the detail. You’ll shape financial strategy, support growth initiatives, and ensure the business scales profitably in a fast‑paced, operational environment.
- Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Own and deliver the financial strategy aligned to growth objectives
- Act as a trusted commercial partner to the Managing Director and senior leadership team
- Support new contracts, tenders, pricing and expansion decisions
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning
- Oversee monthly management accounts and performance reporting
- Ensure accuracy, integrity and timeliness of financial information
- Lead year‑end process and manage external auditors and advisors
- Implement and maintain strong financial controls and governance
- Monitor margins across events, contracts and business lines
- Control food, labour and operational costs
- Support pricing strategy and profitability analysis
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and commercial performance
- Manage cash flow, working capital and funding requirements
- Oversee payroll, AP and AR
- Ensure compliance with VAT, tax, payroll and statutory obligations
- Build, lead, mentor and develop the finance team
- Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and reporting
- Ensure finance systems support operational and commercial decision‑making
Essential Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance role
- Strong commercial mindset with strategic capability
- Comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, operational business
- Commercial, pragmatic and hands‑on
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder influence
- Detail‑driven with high integrity
- Thrives in dynamic, high‑energy environments
Desirable
- Background in hospitality, events, retail or food‑led environments
- Experience in a growing, founder‑led or entrepreneurial business
- Track record of building and leading finance teams
- Experience with cloud‑based finance systems (e.g. Xero)
Head of Finance in London employer: Cedar
Contact Detail:
Cedar Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies and recent projects. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in potential opportunities and share how you can add value to their finance function. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can drive financial success in dynamic environments like hospitality and events.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and strategy, especially in fast-paced environments like hospitality or events. We want to see how you can drive financial control and support growth initiatives!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your commercial mindset and strategic capabilities. Tell us why you're the perfect fit for our entrepreneurial culture and how you can contribute to our financial success.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. We love numbers, so if you've improved margins or controlled costs effectively, make sure to highlight those successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the hospitality industry, such as margins, cash flow, and profitability analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to building and mentoring teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed finance teams in the past and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in processes and systems.
✨Be a Strategic Partner
The interviewers will want to see that you can act as a commercial partner to the leadership team. Prepare to discuss how you’ve supported strategic initiatives in previous roles, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s position in the hospitality and events sector. Research their recent projects, challenges, and growth strategies. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.