At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance team, drive financial performance, and influence strategic decision-making.
- Company: Dalkia, a people-first culture focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the recruitment process.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team making a real impact on climate change.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience in complex industries.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Dalkia, we’re driven by a shared purpose: tackling climate change and building a better, more sustainable future. We bring together talented people who share knowledge, challenge each other and grow together. Backed by EDF, Britain’s biggest generator of low carbon electricity, we’re a people-first culture. With 5,000+ employees and £600m+ turnover, we combine the strength of a major group with a great culture, innovative mindset and inclusive values making Dalkia a great place to work and grow your career.
This is a senior leadership, board‑facing role, reporting to the Managing Director and partnering closely with the Group CFO. You will have full ownership of financial control, reporting, planning, forecasting, cash management and governance, while acting as a key strategic partner to the SLT in shaping performance and driving accountability across the business. This role sits at the heart of decision‑making and will directly influence operational, commercial and investment strategy.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop a finance team (c.6), setting clear direction, structure and performance standards
- Own month‑end close, management reporting and KPI delivery across the business
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and scenario planning in a fast‑paced, project‑led environment
- Partner with operational and commercial leaders to drive margin, profitability and performance
- Act as a trusted challenger to the MD and SLT, embedding strong financial discipline in decision‑making
- Oversee cash flow, working capital, WIP and liquidity management
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance and statutory compliance
- Lead audit and external stakeholder relationships
- Drive continuous improvement across systems, reporting and financial processes
We are specifically seeking candidates with senior finance leadership experience within one or more of the following sectors:
- Construction
- Infrastructure
- Facilities Management (FM) / Building Services
- Project‑led, contract‑based or capital delivery environments
You will have strong exposure to:
- Project accounting / WIP / contract accounting
- Commercial finance in operational businesses
- Cash flow, forecasting and working capital management in complex environments
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Proven experience in Head of Finance / Finance Director / SLT‑level roles
- Strong track record of operating in project‑led, operationally complex industries
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders, including MDs and executive teams
- Strong financial control background combined with commercial acumen
- Ability to translate financial insight into business performance improvement
- Experience driving financial discipline and governance in fast‑moving environments
- A credible senior finance leader from a relevant industry background
- Confident challenging senior leadership and holding teams accountable
- Commercially sharp, with strong operational understanding
- Experienced in managing complexity across projects and contracts
- A strong communicator who can influence at all levels
- A driver of financial discipline, structure and performance culture
We’re committed to an inclusive and fair recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, please let us know, in confidence, our team is here to support you.
Head of Finance employer: Dalkia UK
At Dalkia, we pride ourselves on fostering a people-first culture that champions collaboration and innovation. As a Head of Finance, you will not only lead a talented finance team but also play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction while contributing to a sustainable future. With robust employee growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity, Dalkia offers a dynamic environment where your expertise can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at Dalkia. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up an informational interview with someone in a similar role or within Dalkia. This is your chance to ask questions, learn about the company culture, and show your genuine interest in the Head of Finance position. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider tips!
✨Showcase Your Value
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, make sure to highlight how your experience aligns with Dalkia’s mission. Talk about your past successes in financial control and strategic decision-making, and how you can contribute to their goal of tackling climate change.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After any interviews or networking chats, don’t forget to send a follow-up email. Thank them for their time, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and remind them why you’re the perfect fit. It’s a simple step that can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and strategic decision-making. We want to see how your background aligns with Dalkia's mission and values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about tackling climate change and how your finance expertise can contribute to Dalkia's goals. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, we need to see your ability to lead and develop teams. Share examples of how you've set direction and performance standards in previous roles. This will help us understand your leadership style and impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dalkia UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Dalkia’s operations, such as cash flow management and project accounting. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your experience in setting clear performance standards and how you’ve fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Business Context
Dalkia is focused on sustainability and tackling climate change. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and think about how your financial strategies can align with their goals. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person, but also a strategic partner who understands the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex financial situations. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve had to make tough decisions or influence senior stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
