Head of Finance Location: Leicester Salary: £50,000–£60,000 per annum Sector: Solar Energy & Electrical Services Take the Lead in Finance Within a Growing Solar & Electrical Business Are you a commercially minded finance professional with strong leadership skills and a solid understanding of the solar and electrical sectors? This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist business where you can take ownership of the finance function, influence business performance and play a key role in supporting continued growth. We’re looking for a hands-on Head of Finance who combines strong financial management expertise with industry-specific knowledge, including essential CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) experience. This role would suit someone who enjoys being close to the numbers, understands the operational realities of a project-led business and can provide clear financial insight to support strategic decision-making. The Role As Head of Finance, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining robust financial controls and providing commercial insight to the senior leadership team. You’ll work closely with operational and commercial colleagues to understand project profitability, manage cash flow and ensure the business has the financial information needed to make informed decisions. Key Responsibilities * Lead and oversee the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial information. * Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, budgets and forecasts. * Manage cash flow, working capital, credit control and payment schedules. * Monitor project costs, margins and profitability across solar installations and electrical contracts. * Oversee sales and purchase ledgers, reconciliations and month-end processes. * Ensure full compliance with CIS requirements, including contractor and subcontractor verification, deductions, monthly returns and reporting. * Manage VAT, payroll-related finance processes and other statutory financial obligations, working with external advisers where appropriate. * Establish and maintain effective financial controls, systems and procedures. * Provide commercial analysis and financial insight to support pricing, project delivery and business growth. * Work closely with senior management and operational teams to identify financial risks, efficiencies and opportunities. * Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, banks and other financial stakeholders. * Support business planning, investment decisions and the development of scalable financial processes. About You You’ll be a proactive and commercially aware finance professional who can operate at both a strategic and hands-on level. You’ll be confident challenging information, improving processes and communicating financial performance clearly to non-finance colleagues. Essential Requirements * Proven experience in a senior finance role, such as Head of Finance, Finance Manager or Financial Controller. * Essential: practical, working knowledge of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). * Experience within the solar, renewable energy, electrical contracting, construction or related project-based sectors. * Strong understanding of management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management. * Experience monitoring project costs, gross margins and contract profitability. * Good knowledge of VAT, financial controls and relevant compliance requirements. * Strong Excel and financial systems skills. * Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills. * Ability to work independently, take ownership and provide commercially focused advice to senior management. Desirable * AAT, ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualification, or equivalent relevant experience. * Experience working within a growing SME or owner-managed business. * Knowledge of the financial and operational challenges associated with solar installations and electrical contracting. * Experience improving finance systems, reporting processes and internal controls. What’s on Offer? * Competitive salary of £50,000–£60,000, depending on experience. * The opportunity to take ownership of the finance function. * A key role within a specialist solar and electrical business. * Direct involvement in commercial decision-making and business growth. * The opportunity to improve processes, influence strategy and make a tangible impact. Interested? If you have the financial expertise, commercial mindset and essential CIS knowledge to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your finance career
Head of Finance employer: Henley Chase
As a leading employer in the construction industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our Construction Managers to excel. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer extensive training programs and career advancement opportunities, ensuring that our team members grow alongside the company. Located in a vibrant area with access to diverse projects, our employees enjoy a dynamic work environment that values safety, quality, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Henley Chase, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Finance at Henley Chase.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley Chase
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
