At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Finance Director in managing financial operations and reporting.
- Company: Join Hecny Group, a growing SME with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension scheme, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to senior leadership and grow into a finance leadership role.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or Accounting, with 5 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Perfect for ambitious individuals seeking long-term career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hayes, Middlesex
Company: Hecny Group
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid – up to 2 days working from home
Salary: Competitive Salary (dependent on experience), with scope for progression as the role evolves
Role Overview
Due to continued growth within the Hecny Group, we are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Assistant to Finance Director to support the Finance Director in managing and strengthening the financial operations of the business. This is a senior finance role within a fast-paced SME environment, offering significant exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to grow into broader finance leadership responsibilities over time. While this role does not carry full people-management responsibility initially, it is designed to evolve, with increased scope and leadership as the business continues to develop. The successful candidate will act as a trusted deputy to the Finance Director and will provide cover during periods of annual leave.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Finance Director in the preparation of management accounts, financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and financial planning
- Monitor and analyse financial performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities, and providing commercial insight and recommendations
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll oversight, and general ledger maintenance
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, audit requirements, internal controls, and best practice
- Assist with financial modelling, scenario analysis, and business planning to support strategic and commercial decision-making
- Work closely with operational and commercial teams across multiple locations to support business performance
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, tax advisers, and financial institutions
- Act as Finance Director cover during periods of annual leave or absence, within agreed authority levels
- Support the ongoing development and improvement of finance processes, systems, and reporting
- Prioritise workload effectively, manage competing deadlines, and remain effective under pressure
About You
This role is suited to someone who has experience working within an SME environment, ideally across multiple sites, with a headcount of approximately 100–120 employees. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, operationally driven business and able to take ownership, think commercially, and work independently rather than relying on being given solutions. Experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or a similar industry would be advantageous, but is not essential.
You will be:
- Confident using Excel for analysis, reporting, and financial insight
- Comfortable working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to think outside the box
- Willing to take the lead when required and step into additional responsibility
- Ambitious and motivated, with a desire to grow into a senior finance leadership role over time
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline
- Professional accounting qualification preferred (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or CMA)
- Minimum 5 years' experience within a finance or accounting role
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail
- Proficiency in financial systems, including in-house bookkeeping/accounting software based on MS SQL, with Excel output
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with scope for progression as the role develops
- Performance-related bonus
- Company pension scheme
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working (up to 2 days per week from home)
This is a growing role within a growing business. It is ideally suited to someone who sees themselves operating at director level in the future and is motivated by responsibility, progression, and long-term career development within an SME environment.
Assistant to Finance Director in London employer: Global Forwarding
Contact Detail:
Global Forwarding Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant to Finance Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend finance events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in helping them succeed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the role of Assistant to Finance Director. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant to Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant to Finance Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance, especially in an SME environment, and showcase any leadership qualities you possess. We want to see how you can support our Finance Director!
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 role. Mention your ambition to grow into a senior finance leadership position and how your skills align with our needs at Hecny Group.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in both your CV and cover letter. Share examples of how you've used Excel or other financial systems to drive insights and support decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Forwarding
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss management accounts, budgets, and forecasts, as these are key responsibilities in the role. Familiarise yourself with any recent financial trends or news that could impact the industry.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, come ready to demonstrate how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Think of specific examples where your insights led to improved financial performance or operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show your ability to think commercially and adapt quickly.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
As you'll be managing relationships with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.