At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and commercial operations in a fast-growing professional services business.
- Company: Join an ambitious scale-up in the tech market with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, direct access to founders, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with significant influence on strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth and shape operational processes.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with experience in high-growth environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
An ambitious, high-growth professional services business is seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance & Commercial Operations to join its leadership team during a pivotal stage of growth. Founded recently and already generating multi-million-pound revenues, the business has established itself as a specialist player within one of the fastest-growing areas of the global technology market. With significant growth plans ahead, this is an opportunity to work directly alongside the founders and play a key role in building the operational and financial foundations of a scaling business.
This is not a traditional finance role. Whilst you will take ownership of the finance function, the position extends far beyond reporting and controls. You will be deeply involved in commercial analysis, operational improvements, strategic projects and helping the leadership team make better, data-driven decisions as the business continues to scale. Reporting directly to the founders, you will oversee all day-to-day financial operations whilst acting as a key commercial partner to the wider business. You will work closely with revenue operations and data teams to improve reporting, analyse business performance and identify opportunities to drive efficiency and profitability. The role will also support a range of strategic initiatives, from process improvement projects through to supporting business expansion and operational scaling.
For an ambitious finance professional who enjoys variety, autonomy and genuine influence, this represents a rare opportunity to operate at the centre of a fast-moving, entrepreneurial business.
Key Responsibilities- Ownership of the month‑end process and production of management accounts
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management activities
- Deliver insightful commercial and financial reporting to founders and senior leadership
- Analyse sales performance, revenue trends and operational KPIs
- Partner with internal data and revenue operations teams to improve business intelligence and reporting capabilities
- Oversee payroll processes and supplier management activities
- Manage treasury activities, including cash management and foreign exchange exposure
- Drive operational improvements and help establish scalable processes and controls
- Support strategic growth projects across the business
- Act as a trusted business partner to stakeholders across the organisation
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
- Experience operating within an SME, scale‑up, founder‑led or high‑growth environment
- Comfortable working in a hands‑on environment where priorities can evolve quickly
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both financial and non‑financial stakeholders
- Naturally commercial, curious and proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement
- Direct access to founders and senior leadership
- Significant exposure to commercial decision-making and business strategy
- Opportunity to shape processes and infrastructure in a scaling business
- Broad remit spanning finance, operations and commercial performance
- Fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment with genuine career progression potential
- Highly visible role with meaningful impact on business growth
Head of Finance & Commercial Operations in London employer: Cedar
Join a dynamic and ambitious professional services scale-up in London, where you will have direct access to the founders and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and operational landscape of a rapidly growing business. With a culture that fosters autonomy and encourages innovative thinking, this position offers significant opportunities for career progression and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the company's success. Embrace the fast-paced environment and enjoy a broad remit that spans finance, operations, and commercial performance, all while being part of a team that values your insights and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance & Commercial Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and commercial operations space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their growth plans, challenges, and how you can contribute to their success. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their ambitious team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of Finance & Commercial Operations. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Commercial Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance & Commercial Operations role. Highlight your experience in high-growth environments and any relevant financial qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational improvements or influenced commercial decisions in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision-making, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Mention any tools or methodologies you’ve used to analyse business performance and improve reporting capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our leadership team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance & Commercial Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as cash flow management and budgeting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s about using data to influence strategy. Prepare examples of how you’ve contributed to strategic projects or operational improvements in previous roles. Highlight your ability to partner with other teams to enhance business performance.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to influence both financial and non-financial stakeholders. Think of scenarios where you successfully communicated insights that led to better decision-making.
✨Be Ready for a Hands-On Approach
In a fast-paced, scale-up environment, priorities can shift quickly. Prepare to discuss your experience in hands-on roles where you’ve had to adapt and take initiative. Show that you’re comfortable with ambiguity and can thrive in a dynamic setting.
