At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic finance team and drive strategic business initiatives.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding business with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: High autonomy, hybrid working, and clear progression to Finance Director.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for ambitious finance leaders looking to make an impact.
- Why this job: Shape business strategy and influence key financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Not every Head of Finance role is created equal. Some focus purely on reporting, others on process improvement, whereas this opportunity offers something far more interesting. We're partnering with a highly successful, rapidly expanding business that continues to invest heavily in both people and infrastructure. Operating within a fast-paced, service-led environment, the business has built an outstanding reputation within its sector and is entering an exciting new phase of growth. As a result, an opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially minded finance leader to join the organisation in a pivotal Head of Finance position. This is a role that combines leadership, commercial influence, operational excellence and strategic impact whilst giving financial stewardship to a reporting team.
About the role: You'll lead a sizeable finance operation, manage and develop high-performing finance leaders, influence business performance and play a key role in shaping the future direction of a growing and evolving organisation. Reporting directly into senior leadership, you will take ownership of a large and highly visible finance function responsible for delivering outstanding financial support and service across a broad and diverse client portfolio. Leading a team of Finance Managers and their wider teams, you'll create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement whilst ensuring exceptional levels of service, financial control and stakeholder engagement. This role offers significant exposure across the business and the opportunity to influence both operational and commercial decision-making.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, coaching and developing a team of Finance Managers and their wider teams
- Driving high-quality management accounting and financial reporting delivery
- Creating a culture of accountability, performance and continuous improvement
- Ensuring robust financial controls, governance and compliance frameworks
- Driving process improvement, automation and operational efficiencies
- Supporting commercial initiatives and margin enhancement programmes
- Improving scalability, consistency and standardisation across the finance function
- Contributing to wider business strategy and organisational performance
What you can expect in return:
- Opportunity to shape and influence business strategy
- High levels of autonomy and visibility
- Join a growing and evolving business
- Excellent platform towards Finance Director level progression
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team
- Hybrid working environment
About you: We're keen to speak with qualified accountants (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) who combine strong technical finance capability with exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills. You'll likely bring:
- Experience leading sizeable finance teams
- Strong management accounting and financial reporting expertise
- Previous exposure to Shared Services, multi-site, multi-client or service-led environments
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Commercial awareness and business partnering capability
- A passion for developing teams and improving performance
- Experience driving process improvement, automation and operational excellence
Candidates likely operating as Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Finance Operations Manager, Shared Services Finance Manager, Head of Financial Operations or Senior Finance Manager or similar are likely going to be the target for this role. Opportunities combining leadership, influence, commercial exposure and future progression at this level rarely come to market.
For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact David Gifford at Gifford & Partners/Executive GAP for immediate shortlisting.
Locations
Head of Finance in Harrogate, Yorkshire employer: Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding organisation that prioritises investment in its people and infrastructure, offering an exceptional work culture characterised by collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. As the Head of Finance, you will not only lead a high-performing team but also have the autonomy to shape business strategy and drive operational excellence, all within a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and progression towards Finance Director roles. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a service-led sector while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working and a strong leadership team.
Contact Details:
Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Harrogate, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head of Finance role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their financial operations, recent growth phases, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show how you can add value as a finance leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for ambitious finance leaders like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Harrogate, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant financial achievements to show us you're the right fit for this Head of Finance role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this opportunity and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience in driving process improvements and managing finance teams.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a sizeable finance operation, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and successes. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and influenced business performance in your previous roles.
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 regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited
✨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 company and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive business performance in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a sizeable finance operation, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams. Talk about your coaching methods and how you foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s sector and its competitors. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth strategy and operational excellence, especially in a fast-paced, service-led environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to drive process improvements. Think of specific instances where you’ve implemented automation or enhanced financial controls, and be ready to explain the impact of those changes.