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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy and operations, driving performance and growth.
- Company: Join Derek Rose, a brand that values quality and thoughtful execution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, staff discounts, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture with excellent career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with 5+ years in a commercial setting.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Role Type: Full Time
Reports to: CEO
Location: Congleton (with regular time in London)
Salary: Competitive
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced, strategic and commercially minded Head of Finance to join Derek Rose and take full ownership of our finance function. This is a senior leadership role with direct access to the CEO and a seat at the table in shaping the future of the business. You will play a central role in guiding strategic decisions, strengthening operational performance, and ensuring the business is well positioned for sustainable growth. At Derek Rose, we design for how people live their free time. That same philosophy applies internally — we value clarity, quality, and thoughtful execution in everything we do. This role is no exception.
The Role
You will lead all aspects of finance, combining strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable presenting at board level and getting into the detail when needed. You will be responsible for ensuring the finance function is robust, efficient, and future‑ready, with a particular focus on improving systems, processes, and insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Leadership
- Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to overall business strategy
- Partner closely with Sales, Direct-to-Consumer, and Operations teams to drive performance
- Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing reforecasting
- Develop mid‑and long‑term financial plans to support growth
- Monitor performance against budget and provide clear, actionable insight
- Present financial performance and key insights at SLT meetings
- Review and evolve finance systems and team structure to support the next phase of growth
- Identify and implement opportunities for automation and AI within the finance function
- Financial Control & Operations
- Take full ownership of cash flow management and forecasting
- Oversee credit control, working closely with credit insurers
- Manage the annual audit process from start to completion
- Ensure timely and accurate production of management accounts and year‑end accounts
- Oversee VAT returns, payroll, and pension scheme administration
- Manage sales agent commission calculations
- Team & Functional Leadership
- Lead and develop a team of 8 across accounts, wholesale operations, export, and ERP support
- Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement
- Ensure the finance team is structured and equipped to scale with the business
- Commercial & External Relationships
- Manage relationships with banks, landlords, and credit insurers
- Negotiate contracts for utilities and key support services
- Support wider business functions including HR and HSE where required
- Oversee external partners such as trademark agents and payroll providers
The Candidate
We are looking for someone who combines technical excellence with strong commercial instinct and a pragmatic, hands‑on approach. You will likely have:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification
- At least 5 years’ post‑qualification experience in a commercial environment (ideally an SME)
- Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management (including FX exposure)
- Experience working with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
- Advanced Excel capability
- Experience with import/export processes
You will be:
- A strategic thinker who can translate numbers into clear business insight
- Comfortable operating at both a high level and in the detail
- A strong communicator, able to engage confidently across all levels of the business
- Naturally curious, with a drive to improve systems and processes
- A proven team leader who develops and supports those around them
- Pragmatic, solutions‑focused, and commercially aware
What We Offer
- Pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous staff discount and regular sample sales
- Confidential wellbeing and mental health support
- Social events
- Hybrid working (following probation)
- Dedicated parking space
Head of Finance (FD-level) in Congleton employer: Derek Rose
Contact Detail:
Derek Rose Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (FD-level) in Congleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Derek Rose. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Derek Rose's business model and values. Show us how your strategic thinking aligns with their vision for sustainable growth. We love candidates who can connect the dots!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk numbers; bring insights! Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial systems or processes in past roles. We want to see your hands-on experience and how it can benefit our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (FD-level) in Congleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your strategic thinking, financial control, and leadership experience to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about finance and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this senior leadership position.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love to see numbers and results that back up your claims!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derek Rose
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive business decisions in the past. This shows you can translate numbers into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've developed teams and fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. It’s all about showing you can inspire and guide others.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be part of the Senior Leadership Team, think about strategic contributions you've made in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve partnered with other departments to drive performance and support growth. This will highlight your collaborative mindset.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Derek Rose values curiosity and a drive for improvement. Prepare to discuss how you've identified opportunities for automation or process enhancements in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just about maintaining the status quo but are eager to innovate.