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 and make 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 growth opportunities, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and the backing of EDF, Dalkia offers an exceptional environment for professional development and 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 former colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on that Head of Finance role you’re after.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in project accounting and financial governance. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance in complex environments – this will set you apart from the crowd!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Dalkia and their approach to sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your financial leadership can support their mission. Tailor your answers to show how you can influence senior stakeholders and drive accountability within their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining a company that values its culture and people.
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 explain why you're passionate about tackling climate change and how your skills can contribute to Dalkia's goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Share examples of how you've set direction and performance standards in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and challenge others!
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 to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think about past challenges you've faced in project-led settings and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
