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- Tasks: Lead finance operations, implement IT systems, and drive profitability in a growing SME.
- Company: Dynamic service business in Bury, part of a European parent company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunity for strategic impact.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career advancement and to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and shape financial strategy during a growth phase.
- Qualifications: Experience as a finance leader in an SME; ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
FD Recruit is partnering exclusively with a growing service business in Bury to appoint a Head of Finance. The role will suit a Senior Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or Finance Director ready for a hands‑on leadership position in a fast paced SME environment comfortable in the detail and in the boardroom. Our client is the UK subsidiary of a European parent company, currently entering a significant growth phase. With increasing complexity and ambition, the business now requires a commercially‑minded finance leader to sit alongside the leadership team and help drive performance.
This is a newly created position, a direct response to the business reaching a scale that demands proper financial stewardship and strategic partnership at the top. The Head of Finance will take ownership of the finance function and lead a small team covering purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control, supported by a part‑time Finance Manager. The priority is making an immediate operational impact. The Head of Finance will bring rigour, discipline, and commercial clarity to the day‑to‑day, tightening processes, improving visibility, and ensuring the business has the financial foundations to scale. The Head of Finance will also provide strategic contribution.
Key Responsibilities- Lead on new IT system implementation
- Ownership of stock and transaction validation, physical and value
- Lead all financial operations, reporting, and controls across the business
- Take ownership of stock management and stock control processes
- Lead purchasing disciplines driving consistency and cost reduction
- Drive pricing management and profitability analysis across service contracts and (in due course) machine sales
- Produce accurate and timely management accounts and reporting for the parent company
- Manage and develop the existing finance team (Finance Manager plus three staff)
- Support the Managing Director and leadership team with financial insight and commercial decision‑making
- Oversee cash flow management, forecasting, and budgeting
- Ensure robust financial processes and controls are in place to support the next phase of growth
- Development of policies/Processes to drive cost control and compliance
- Liaise with the Dutch parent company on financial matters as required
- Experience accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience in a leadership role as Finance Director, Head of Finance, Financial Controller, or Senior Finance Manager in an SME environment
- Hands‑on, operationally focused and comfortable working at both a strategic and transactional level
- Strong track record in stock control, pricing management, and profitability improvement
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Commercially astute with the ability to translate financial data into business insight
- IT system implementation and Power BI experience would be beneficial
The salary advertised is a guideline and the salary offered will be commensurate with experience.
Head of Finance in Bury St Edmunds employer: FD Recruit
Contact Detail:
FD Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities in SMEs. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Head of Finance role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financials and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their business and is ready to make an immediate impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles. They want to see you as a strategic partner!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented finance leaders like you to help drive growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and any hands-on roles you've had in SMEs. We want to see how you can bring that operational focus to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved processes in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. In your application, mention your experience managing finance teams and how you've developed talent in the past. We want to know how you can inspire and guide us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at FD Recruit
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the business and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive performance in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but also about the insights they provide.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed a team or led a project. Be ready to discuss how you motivate your team and ensure operational excellence, as this role requires hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s growth phase and challenges. Familiarise yourself with their services and market position. This will help you articulate how your skills can directly contribute to their strategic goals, especially in areas like stock management and pricing strategies.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves working closely with the leadership team, be prepared to discuss your approach to financial strategy. Think about how you would implement new IT systems or improve financial processes. Showing that you can think both operationally and strategically will set you apart.