At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, enhance reporting, and drive financial transformation.
- Company: Established food manufacturer in Park Royal, London, with a strong operational base.
- Benefits: Flexible fractional role, potential for ongoing leadership, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the finance function in a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on finance operations while working closely with the Board.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership and UK GAAP knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
Harper May is partnering with a well-established food manufacturer based in Park Royal, London, supplying both UK retail and foodservice channels. The business has built a strong operational base over many years and is now investing in its finance function to support the next stage of its development. With clear plans to strengthen reporting, controls, and commercial insight across the organisation, the leadership team is now appointing a fractional Head of Finance to provide senior finance leadership three days a week, working closely with the Board and the existing finance team.
The Role
Working three days a week from the Park Royal site, the Head of Finance will lead the in-house finance team, set the pace and standards of financial reporting, and drive the transformation of the finance function. The role combines hands-on operational delivery with strategic support to the Board, focusing on accurate management information, a robust month-end close, and reliable costing and margin reporting under UK GAAP. It is initially a fractional engagement with potential to move into ongoing interim leadership as the function matures.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the finance team, setting structure, pace and standards across reporting and controls
- Establish a reliable, timely month-end close and produce clear, decision-useful management information
- Strengthen financial controls, governance, and reporting discipline across the business
- Review and improve costing models and product margin reporting, aligned with UK GAAP (FRS 102)
- Partner with operations and commercial teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis
- Provide clear, commercially focused insight to the Board and senior management
- Assess current finance systems and processes, recommending practical, value-adding improvements
What we are looking for
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience at Head of Finance or Finance Director level
- Strong UK GAAP grounding, including current familiarity with FRS 102 revisions and technical accounting areas
- Prior experience leading or transforming finance functions in a manufacturing, food, FMCG, or operationally complex environment
- Practical, collaborative leadership style, comfortable rolling up sleeves alongside a small in-house team
- Track record of delivering reliable management information, robust costing models, and improved month-end discipline
- Available three days per week, on-site at the Park Royal location
Head of Finance (Fractional - 3 days a week) in City of Westminster employer: Harper May
Harper May offers an exceptional opportunity for finance professionals seeking meaningful engagement in a dynamic food manufacturing environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and operational excellence. Working from the vibrant Park Royal location, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and the chance to play a pivotal role in transforming the finance function while contributing to the company's growth trajectory.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Fractional - 3 days a week) in City of Westminster
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like Harper May often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at Harper May.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Fractional - 3 days a week) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at Harper May and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at Harper May. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
