At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and HR functions, ensuring financial control and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Independent engineering firm in Pembroke Dock with a strong financial position.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business while making impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership within SMEs.
- Other info: Dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and team development.
Our client is a leading independent engineering firm based in Pembroke Dock, with a turnover in excess of Β£30 million. The business is in a strong financial position and operates with no external debt. As the organisation continues to grow, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Finance to work closely with the Managing Director and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership role responsible for leading the Finance and HR functions and supporting the wider business with high-quality financial insight and governance. The successful candidate will take ownership of these functions while developing the finance capability to support continued growth and operational excellence.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide effective financial stewardship of the business, ensuring robust financial control, governance, and compliance at all times.
- Lead the day-to-day financial operations of the company, including purchase ledger, payroll, cash flow management, and general accounting activities.
- Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts, board reports, and financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes, working closely with senior stakeholders to align financial plans with business objectives.
- Ensure full statutory compliance, including year-end accounts, audit processes, tax compliance, and regulatory reporting.
- Drive the development and improvement of financial systems and processes, including system implementations, automation, and improved use of data.
- Develop and enhance management information (MI) to provide meaningful insight into business performance, project profitability, and cost control.
- Act as a finance business partner across the organisation, supporting operational teams with financial analysis, project reporting, and commercial insight.
- Play an active role in business decision-making, including investment appraisal, pricing, margin analysis, and client-facing financial discussions where appropriate.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance and HR teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development.
- Take a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements, cost control, and value creation across the business.
Experience Required
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience.
- Proven experience working as a Financial Controller or Head of Finance within an SME environment.
- Demonstrable experience of financial system implementation and process improvement.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and contribute at a strategic level.
- High personal standards with core values of integrity, honesty, trust, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Head of Finance in Pembroke employer: Head 4 Talent
Contact Detail:
Head 4 Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Pembroke
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and donβt be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their financial position, recent projects, and future goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of their business.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your achievements in financial stewardship and process improvement, and donβt forget to mention how you can drive efficiency and value creation.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Pembroke
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial stewardship, compliance, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial improvements and supported strategic decision-making in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, weβre looking for someone who can mentor and develop teams. Make sure to include examples of how you've led finance or HR teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Head 4 Talent
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, youβll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the companyβs operations and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows youβre not just about numbers but also about strategic insight.
β¨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed finance and HR teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring style and how you foster a culture of continuous improvementβthis will resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the engineering sector and the specific challenges it faces. Be ready to discuss how you can align financial strategies with business objectives, especially in terms of growth and operational excellence. This shows that youβre not just a finance expert but also a strategic partner.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios, such as budget cuts or investment appraisals. Think through your approach to these situations beforehand, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.