At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive commercial decision-making in a growing beauty company.
- Company: Hera Beauty Ltd, a fast-growing family-owned personal care manufacturer.
- Benefits: Annual bonus scheme, flexible working, and regular team socials.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and shape the future of a dynamic business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance within a manufacturing environment and strong leadership skills.
Hera Beauty Ltd is a fast-growing personal care manufacturer based in Peterborough. The business is family owned and prides itself on providing a flexible and proactive service to its customers. We're looking for a commercially minded Head of Finance to lead our finance function and join our senior management team, helping to shape the next phase of the company's growth.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a hands-on leadership position overseeing the finance function, which comprises a small in-house team supported by an outsourced provider preparing management and statutory accounts. The role also carries oversight of IT, ensuring systems and infrastructure support the needs of a growing manufacturing business. You'll take ownership of financial oversight and control while playing an active business partnering role across the organisation, working closely with senior leaders to drive commercial decision-making and add value beyond traditional finance reporting. Scope for the role to grow as the business grows.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing the in-house finance team, while managing the relationship with the outsourced accounting provider.
- Overseeing the preparation and quality of management and statutory accounts, VAT and payroll.
- Acting as a strategic finance partner to the senior management team and wider business.
- Providing financial insight and analysis to support commercial and operational decisions.
- Improving financial processes and controls to support a scaling manufacturing business.
- Contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Overseeing IT systems and infrastructure, including managing any external IT support providers.
- Identifying opportunities to add value across departments, from production to commercial functions.
About You:
- Proven experience in a manufacturing environment is essential.
- A track record of operating at a senior level, ideally with prior exposure to a senior management or leadership team.
- Ideally experience in SME environment.
- Proven experience in delivering change and process improvement.
- Strong business partnering skills, with the ability to translate financial data into commercial insight.
- Comfortable working hands-on in a smaller team while also thinking strategically.
- Experience overseeing IT functions or working closely with IT providers is desirable, though not essential.
- Experience managing or working alongside outsourced finance providers is advantageous.
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-growing, fast-paced environment.
- Strong people skills and enjoy developing team members and supporting colleagues.
- Highly adaptable and able to learn quickly.
Location and Working Pattern
Based in Peterborough, with a hybrid working pattern of 3 days per week on site.
Why Join Hera Beauty
This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact in a growing business, working as a key member of the senior leadership team with real influence over the company's direction. Benefits include annual bonus scheme and regular staff socials and activities.
Locations
Head of Finance in Peterborough, Werrington employer: Hera Beauty
Hera Beauty Ltd is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Peterborough, where you can truly make a difference as the Head of Finance. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities to influence strategic decisions while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model. Employees benefit from an annual bonus scheme and engaging social activities, making it a rewarding place to build your career in the personal care manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Peterborough, Werrington
✨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 Hera Beauty. 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 Peterborough, Werrington
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 Hera Beauty.
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 Hera Beauty'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 Hera Beauty
✨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 Hera Beauty.
✨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 Hera Beauty 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 Hera Beauty 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.