Head of Finance in Peterborough

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to join our Howden business in Peterborough. As a key member of the senior leadership team, this role will lead the end-to-end finance function, driving financial performance, oversight and compliance while partnering closely with the Managing Director and wider stakeholders. With responsibility for a team of finance professionals, you will provide strategic insight, manage core accounting and reporting processes, and ensure strong financial control across the business, supporting both operational decision-making and long-term growth ambitions.

About Us: Howden has a range of compressors, blowers, fans, steam turbines, and rotary heat exchangers, and has been at the forefront of developing engineered solutions for the needs of industrial processes since 1854. In 2023, Howden joined forces with Chart Industries, a global leader in engineered equipment for clean energy and industrial gas markets. Together, we operate over 64 manufacturing sites and 50+ service centres worldwide, with 11,700+ employees driving innovation in hydrogen, carbon capture, energy recovery, nuclear, water treatment, mining, and LNG. As part of the Nexus of Clean™, we are advancing a sustainable future-helping customers improve efficiency and reduce emissions across clean power, water, food, and industrial sectors. Join us and be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future and tackling some of the planet’s most urgent challenges, all while growing your career in a dynamic global environment.

What Will You Do?

• Support a team of 5 direct reports responsible for all areas of Finance and Accounting within the business unit.
• Full management of GL, AP, AR, Project Accounting and FP&A processes, treasury, cashflow and cashflow forecasting.
• Publish monthly US GAAP financial statements.
• Responsibility as SOX Lead for implementing and maintaining company SOX control environment.
• Completion of statutory accounts/audit – ensure full preparation along with all relevant disclosures and business updates, filing in line with statutory requirements.
• Act as a trusted finance business partner to the Managing Director and senior leadership team.
• Provide clear, actionable financial insight to support pricing, margin management, capacity utilisation, and investment decisions.
• Maintain strong financial control, ensuring DOA is maintained and applied in line with Group policies.

What Do You Bring?

An ideal candidate would likely have the following profile:

• Qualified accountant.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience and practical accounting skills are required.
• Demonstrated experience of leading and developing a small team in a fast paced, deadline driven, corporate environment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills with people and results driven focus.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP reporting and SOX controls environment.
• Experience in group reporting systems.

This is a permanent position based at our office in Peterborough. Our range of fantastic benefits includes:

• Generous holiday entitlement package totalling 33 days annual leave.
• Howden Pension Plan with a maximum employer contribution of 7%.
• Company electric vehicle scheme through salary sacrifice.
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental and adoption leave pay.
• Free onsite parking.
• Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal - Cycle2Work programme, range of discounts across various retailers, employee assistance programme, wealth of information to support health & wellbeing.
• Dedicated Spark Service - free counselling, physiotherapy, financial support, medical second opinion, remote GP, personal training, nutrition consultations etc.
• Opportunity to be involved in our ESG ‘Bright Future’ initiatives - STEM ambassador & volunteering.

Howden is an equal opportunity employer. The Company intention in respect of recruitment, selection and promotion is to appoint the most suitable candidate for each job regardless of that person’s race, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.