At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and enhance financial controls in a growing business.
- Company: Dynamic private equity-backed organisation with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market-leading benefits, and clear progression to CFO role.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal leadership role and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in high-growth environments.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Surrey (onsite 5 days per week)
Competitive Salary + Market-Leading Benefits
Full Time Permanent
A Key Leadership Role with future CFO opportunity in a Private Equity-Backed Growth Business.
CMA Executive is partnering with a successful and expanding private equity-backed organisation to appoint a Head of Finance. Reporting to the CFO, this is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for the day-to-day finance function across a growing multi-entity group. As the business continues to expand organically and through acquisition, the successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening financial controls, enhancing reporting and forecasting, integrating acquired businesses and developing the finance team. This position offers significant exposure to senior leadership, investors and strategic initiatives, whilst providing a clear pathway for future progression.
The Opportunity
- Financial reporting, group consolidations and management information
- Budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
- Financial controls, governance and compliance
- Audit, statutory reporting, tax and lender reporting requirements
- Finance systems, process improvement and reporting enhancements
- Finance team leadership, development and succession planning
- Supporting acquisition activity and post-acquisition integration
- Delivering commercial insight to support strategic and operational decision-making
The Candidate
We are seeking a commercially minded finance leader with the technical capability, leadership skills and ambition to thrive within a fast-paced growth environment. You are likely to bring:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), ideally with a strong academic record and Big 4 training background
- Experience within a private equity-backed, acquisitive or high-growth environment, ideally with exposure to acquisitions, business integration, lender reporting or investor-focused reporting
- Experience leading finance teams across multiple entities, divisions or business units
- A proven track record overseeing month-end close, group consolidations, budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting and audit processes
- The ability to provide meaningful commercial insight that supports operational and strategic decision-making
- Strong cashflow forecasting, working capital management and financial control experience
- A track record of improving financial controls, governance, systems and reporting quality
- Experience using financial systems and data to drive efficiency, automation and business insight
- Success leading and developing finance teams, building capability and creating accountability
- The confidence to engage, influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively
- An ambitious and hands-on leadership style, with the potential to progress into a future CFO role
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious, investor-backed business at an exciting stage of its growth journey. The role offers:
- A highly visible leadership position working closely with the CFO
- Exposure to acquisitions, integration activity and business transformation
- The opportunity to shape and strengthen the finance function
- Responsibility for developing a high-performing finance team
- A genuine pathway towards a future CFO appointment
- A competitive salary and market-leading benefits package, depending on experience
Confidentiality & Application Information: Due to the confidential nature of this appointment, further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates following initial discussions. Applicants must have an existing Right to Work in the UK. CMA complies with all relevant UK legislation and doesn't discriminate on any protected characteristics.
Head of Finance employer: CMA Recruitment Group
This established services organisation in Dorset is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and professional environment where finance professionals can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a focus on employee development, and the opportunity to engage in diverse financial projects, this role not only promises competitive benefits but also the chance to make a significant impact during a pivotal time for the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨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 CMA Recruitment Group. 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
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 CMA Recruitment Group.
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 CMA Recruitment Group'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 CMA Recruitment Group
✨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 CMA Recruitment Group.
✨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 CMA Recruitment Group 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 CMA Recruitment Group 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.
