At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and drive strategic financial initiatives.
- Company: Join a dynamic PE-backed SME with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and benefits.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Gain commercial exposure and influence key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
- £80,000 - £100,000 + Car / Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
- Halifax - 4 days per week in the office
A Head of Finance role with genuine commercial exposure and room to grow.
We're partnering with a
PE-backed SME to appoint a Head of Finance into a key role within the business.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller or Head of Finance who wants to take ownership of a sizeable finance function, while also broadening their commercial and strategic experience .
You'll work closely with an experienced CFO, giving you exposure to areas beyond the traditional finance remit and the opportunity to develop and broaden your experience beyond Controllership.
What you'll be doing
You'll have real ownership of the finance function, leading and developing the team while ensuring the business has accurate, insightful financial information.
Key areas will include
- Leading, managing and developing the finance team.
- Supporting and developing the team through a period of transformation and change .
- Taking ownership of group consolidation and month-end reporting .
- Producing board packs, commentary and analysis that tell the story behind the numbers.
- Maintaining strong financial controls and reporting processes.
- Providing insight into performance and identifying areas that need attention.
- Managing project-based accounting , including revenue, costs, margins, WIP and project profitability.
- Working closely with operational and commercial teams as a genuine business partner .
- Sitting in management meetings and contributing to wider business discussions.
Analysing, understanding and challenging performance rather than simply reporting it.
- Supporting the CFO with modelling, forecasting, planning and strategy .
- Getting involved in projects, business improvement and change as the business continues to develop.
What's in it for you?
You'll have the opportunity to
- Work closely with an experienced CFO and learn from someone who has operated at the top level.
- Develop your experience beyond financial control into commercial and strategic finance .
- Get genuine exposure to
PE-backed business and value creation .
- Influence decisions by understanding what is happening operationally, not just what the numbers say.
- Build your experience across forecasting, modelling, planning and strategy .
- Lead and develop a team while helping them navigate a period of transformation .
- Work in a fast-paced, evolving SME environment where you can make a visible difference.
- Broaden your experience and put yourself in a strong position for a future
FD opportunity .
What we're looking for
You'll be a qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with strong experience at
Financial Controller, Head of Finance or similar level , with a solid technical grounding across:
- Group consolidation and financial reporting
- Management accounts and board reporting
- Project-based accounting
- Analysis and commentary
- Team leadership and development
Just as importantly, you'll be commercially minded and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment.
We're looking for someone who
- Wants to understand why the numbers look the way they do.
- Is comfortable analysing performance and challenging assumptions .
- Can build strong relationships with non-finance colleagues and influence decisions.
- Enjoys getting close to the operation rather than staying behind the finance desk.
- Has experience of, or is comfortable working through, transformation and change .
- Can bring their team with them through change, providing clarity, support and direction .
- Has the confidence to challenge constructively and the curiosity to keep asking questions.
- Enjoys a fast-paced environment where priorities can change and things don't always happen in a perfectly structured way.
This isn't a role for someone who simply wants to produce the numbers and move on.
It's an opportunity to own the finance function, develop your team, influence the wider business and work alongside an experienced CFO who can help broaden your experience .
If you're ready for a role that gives you more commercial exposure, more influence and a clear opportunity to develop towards the next stage of your career, it's well worth a conversation.
- Head of Finance
- £80,000 - £100,000 + Car / Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
- Halifax - 4 days per week in the office
A Head of Finance role with genuine commercial exposure and room to grow.
We're partnering with a
PE-backed SME to appoint a Head of Finance into a key role within the business.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller or Head of Finance who wants to take ownership of a sizeable finance function, while also broadening their commercial and strategic experience .
You'll work closely with an experienced CFO, giving you exposure to areas beyond the traditional finance remit and the opportunity to develop and broaden your experience beyond Controllership.
What you'll be doing
You'll have real ownership of the finance function, leading and developing the team while ensuring the business has accurate, insightful financial information.
Key areas will include
- Leading, managing and developing the finance team.
- Supporting and developing the team through a period of transformation and change .
- Taking ownership of group consolidation and month-end reporting .
- Producing board packs, commentary and analysis that tell the story behind the numbers.
- Maintaining strong financial controls and reporting processes.
- Providing insight into performance and identifying areas that need attention.
- Managing project-based accounting , including revenue, costs, margins, WIP and project profitability.
- Working closely with operational and commercial teams as a genuine business partner .
- Sitting in management meetings and contributing to wider business discussions.
Analysing, understanding and challenging performance rather than simply reporting it.
- Supporting the CFO with modelling, forecasting, planning and strategy .
- Getting involved in projects, business improvement and change as the business continues to develop.
What's in it for you?
You'll have the opportunity to
- Work closely with an experienced CFO and learn from someone who has operated at the top level.
- Develop your experience beyond financial control into commercial and strategic finance .
- Get genuine exposure to
PE-backed business and value creation .
- Influence decisions by understanding what is happening operationally, not just what the numbers say.
- Build your experience across forecasting, modelling, planning and strategy .
- Lead and develop a team while helping them navigate a period of transformation .
- Work in a fast-paced, evolving SME environment where you can make a visible difference.
- Broaden your experience and put yourself in a strong position for a future
FD opportunity .
What we're looking for
You'll be a qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with strong experience at
Financial Controller, Head of Finance or similar level , with a solid technical grounding across:
- Group consolidation and financial reporting
- Management accounts and board reporting
- Financial control
- Project-based accounting
- Analysis and commentary
- Team leadership and development
Just as importantly, you'll be commercially minded and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment.
We're looking for someone who
- Wants to understand why the numbers look the way they do.
- Is comfortable analysing performance and challenging assumptions .
- Can build strong relationships with non-finance colleagues and influence decisions.
- Enjoys getting close to the operation rather than staying behind the finance desk.
- Has experience of, or is comfortable working through, transformation and change .
- Can bring their team with them through change, providing clarity, support and direction .
- Has the confidence to challenge constructively and the curiosity to keep asking questions.
- Enjoys a fast-paced environment where priorities can change and things don't always happen in a perfectly structured way.
This isn't a role for someone who simply wants to produce the numbers and move on.
It's an opportunity to own the finance function, develop your team, influence the wider business and work alongside an experienced CFO who can help broaden your experience .
If you're ready for a role that gives you more commercial exposure, more influence and a clear opportunity to develop towards the next stage of your career, it's well worth a conversation.
- Desired Skills and Experience
- Head Of Finance, Controllership, Project Accounting, Consolidation
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Finance in Halifax employer: Headstar
Join a highly respected independent accountancy practice in North Leeds, where you can build your tax career in a modern and supportive environment. With a strong reputation built over nearly 90 years, the firm offers genuine client exposure, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent employer for those looking to advance in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Halifax
✨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 Headstar. 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 Finance in Halifax
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 Headstar.
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 Headstar'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 Headstar
✨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 Headstar.
✨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 Headstar 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 Headstar 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.