At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and influence strategic decisions.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding organisation with a market-leading reputation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career progression, and exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and drive impactful financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong commercial acumen and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Not every commercial finance leadership role is created equal. Some roles focus on producing the numbers. Others focus on explaining the numbers. This opportunity is about influencing what happens next. Gifford & Partners are partnering with a highly successful, rapidly expanding organisation that continues to invest significantly in its people, systems and infrastructure. Operating within a fast-paced, service-led environment, the business has established a market-leading reputation and is entering an exciting period of continued growth and transformation.
As a result, an outstanding opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially astute finance leader to join the organisation. This is a highly visible position where you will sit at the heart of strategic decision-making, partnering with senior stakeholders to improve performance, influence commercial outcomes and drive the financial strategy of a complex and evolving business.
About the role:
- Leading a high-performing commercial finance function, providing meaningful insight and challenge to the senior leadership team.
- Translating financial data into actionable recommendations that support growth, profitability and operational excellence.
- Leading, coaching and developing a team of 40 commercially focused finance professionals, creating a culture of curiosity, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Combining commercial finance, business partnering, performance analysis and strategic influence.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a strategic business partner to senior operational and executive stakeholders.
- Providing robust commercial insight around revenue, margin, performance drivers and strategic initiatives.
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning activities.
- Delivering insightful KPI reporting, trend analysis and recommendations to improve business performance.
- Supporting commercial decision-making, investment appraisals and growth initiatives.
- Driving improvements in reporting, systems, processes and the use of data and technology.
- Supporting wider business strategy and organisational transformation.
What you can expect in return:
- A genuine opportunity to influence business strategy and commercial direction.
- High levels of visibility and exposure to senior leadership.
- The chance to join a successful and ambitious organisation with significant growth plans.
- A broad and impactful role offering long-term career progression.
- A collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
- Hybrid working environment.
About you:
We are keen to speak with qualified accountants (ACA, ACCA, ACMA or equivalent) who can demonstrate a combination of strong commercial acumen, analytical capability and the ability to influence at senior levels. You will likely bring:
- A proven background in commercial finance, FP&A or strategic business partnering.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams.
- Strong capability in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and performance analysis.
- The ability to convert complex financial information into clear commercial recommendations.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and challenging decision-making constructively.
- A track record of driving performance improvement and identifying commercial opportunities.
- Experience operating within a fast-paced, multi-site, service-led or complex organisation.
Candidates currently operating as Head of Commercial Finance, Head of FP&A, Senior Finance Business Partner, Commercial Finance Director, Commercial Finance Manager, Head of Business Partnering or a commercially focused Head of Finance are likely to be of particular interest.
Locations
Head of Commercial Finance in Leeds, Yorkshire employer: Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited
Gifford & Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its people within a dynamic and rapidly expanding environment. With a strong commitment to investing in systems and infrastructure, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages curiosity and accountability, alongside significant opportunities for career progression. This role not only offers high visibility and influence in strategic decision-making but also allows you to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving commercial success.
Contact Details:
Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance in Leeds, Yorkshire
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance in Leeds, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Gifford and Partners Recruitment Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
