Head of Finance in Basingstoke, Hampshire

Job Description

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Finance to lead and raise the standard of finance across a growing pharmaceutical business with operations in the UK and overseas.

This is a role for someone who wants to build, improve and transform, rather than simply maintain an established finance function. You will take ownership of the finance operating model, strengthen controls and reporting, improve commercial decision-making, and build the systems, processes and capability needed to support the next stage of growth.

You’ll operate across a complex, regulated environment, partnering closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Quality and Operations. With a £100m+ business, multi-entity, multi-currency operations, this is a genuinely broad leadership role with significant scope to make an impact. Key Responsibilities will include:

• Own the finance operating model across the UK and India, including structure, standards, capability and succession.
• Build a high-performing finance function with clear accountability, consistent processes and strong development pathways.
• Set the standards for financial discipline, insight and business partnering across the organisation.
• Lead Group management and statutory reporting, ensuring accuracy, integrity and timely delivery.
• Establish robust close discipline, review hierarchies and reporting processes generated directly from the system rather than rebuilt in spreadsheets.
• Own and continuously strengthen the financial control environment.
• Ensure finance processes are controlled, scalable and fit for future growth.
• Partner with Commercial, Supply Chain, Quality and Operations to improve financial and operational decision-making.
• Provide insight into pricing, product costing and vendor terms.
• Lead financial analysis of make-versus-buy decisions and other strategic commercial initiatives.
• Bring finance insight into operational decisions rather than simply reporting on what has already happened.
• Take ownership of working capital
• Drive improvements in inventory, cash and debtors
• Balance service levels and supply requirements with cash efficiency and profitability.
• Lead audit, tax and statutory requirements across the UK and India.
• Own Group consolidation and transfer pricing.
• Ensure the business remains compliant while maintaining commercially pragmatic processes

Successful candidates will be qualified (ACA / CIMA / ACCA) with extensive post qualification experience. Experience leading finance ideally within a multi-entity, multi-currency environment with overseas operations and a manufacturing or distribution background. You will have a demonstrable background of improving procedures, automating processes and systems projects.

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of finance within a complex pharmaceutical business and make a visible difference.