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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and oversee tax matters for a dynamic professional services firm.
- Company: Join a leading firm with a growing portfolio and international presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial governance and optimising tax strategies in a client-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA qualified with senior finance experience and strong knowledge of UK tax legislation.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a small finance team and influence key business decisions.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Harper May is partnering with a leading professional services firm that is seeking a Head of Finance & Tax to lead its financial operations and oversee all tax-related matters across the group. With a growing portfolio of clients and international activity, the business is looking for a strategic finance leader with deep technical expertise and a hands-on approach to ensure accuracy, compliance, and commercial alignment.
Role Overview: The Head of Finance & Tax will be responsible for leading financial reporting, tax strategy, and control across the organisation. Working closely with the senior leadership team, this role offers the opportunity to drive operational improvements, optimise tax structures, and strengthen financial governance in a dynamic, client-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all aspects of financial reporting, including monthly management accounts, statutory filings, and audit coordination.
- Oversee UK and international tax compliance, including corporation tax, VAT, transfer pricing, and reporting requirements.
- Act as the primary contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and HMRC.
- Partner with leadership on commercial strategy, advising on financial and tax implications of business decisions.
- Maintain and enhance the internal control framework, supporting accuracy, efficiency, and risk management.
- Develop financial policies and procedures aligned with best practice and business needs.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting, delivering clear financial insight to stakeholders.
- Manage and develop a small finance team, ensuring quality, development, and operational effectiveness.
Key Requirements:
- ACA / ACCA qualified with strong post-qualified experience.
- Proven experience in a senior finance role within a professional services environment.
- In-depth understanding of UK tax legislation, with exposure to international tax considered an advantage.
- Strong technical accounting skills, ideally including IFRS.
- Experience managing audit and compliance processes.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Proactive, hands-on leadership style and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Head of Finance & Tax employer: Harper May
Contact Detail:
Harper May Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance & Tax
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and tax sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the company. Building relationships can often lead to referrals or insider information that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest developments in UK tax legislation and international tax trends. Demonstrating your knowledge during interviews can showcase your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate for the Head of Finance & Tax position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and compliance in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've led teams through audits or improved financial processes, as this will highlight your hands-on leadership style and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current financial strategies and challenges. Understanding their business model and recent developments will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your skills can directly contribute to their goals, making you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Tax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial reporting, tax compliance, and leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in managing financial operations and your understanding of UK tax legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in overseeing tax strategy and financial governance.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your ACA/ACCA qualifications and any additional certifications that may be relevant. Emphasise your post-qualified experience and any specific achievements in previous roles that showcase your ability to lead a finance team effectively.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you have successfully managed teams and improved operational processes in past positions. Highlight your proactive approach to leadership and your commitment to continuous improvement, as these are key attributes for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Head of Finance & Tax, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of UK tax legislation and financial reporting standards. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that highlight your technical skills and how you've applied them in a professional services environment.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This role involves partnering with leadership on commercial strategy. Think about how you can contribute to business decisions from a financial perspective. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past and the impact of your financial insights on strategic outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
The interviewers will be looking for a proactive, hands-on leader. Share examples of how you've managed and developed finance teams, ensuring quality and operational effectiveness. Highlight your commitment to continuous improvement and how you've fostered a positive team culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
In this dynamic role, you'll need to drive operational improvements and optimise tax structures. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous positions and how you approached problem-solving. This will showcase your ability to think critically and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
