At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, implement IT systems, and drive strategic financial decisions.
- Company: Growing service business in Bury, part of a European parent company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced SME environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the financial future of a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance leadership roles and strong people management skills.
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 employer: FD Recruit
Join a dynamic and growing service business in Bury as the Head of Finance, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the company. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this position offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated finance team while implementing strategic initiatives that drive performance and growth. Enjoy the benefits of working in a fast-paced SME environment that values innovation and provides a platform for meaningful contributions to the business's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Bury
✨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 improved financial processes in the past. They want to see you as a hands-on leader who can drive performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are ready to take on exciting challenges in finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Bury
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 leadership roles and any hands-on financial management you've done 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 this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved financial processes in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Finance, you'll be leading a small team. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've developed teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others while keeping an eye on the details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 making them work for the business.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving operational improvements. Discuss how you’ve developed staff and fostered a collaborative environment. This is crucial as the role involves leading a small finance team.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s growth phase and challenges they face. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in stock control and pricing management. Showing that you understand their specific context will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since this role requires strategic input, think about how you can contribute to the leadership team. Prepare to discuss your approach to financial stewardship and how you would support the Managing Director in decision-making. This demonstrates your readiness to step into a strategic partnership role.
