Head of Group Finance in London

Head of Group Finance in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial management and capital deployment for a growing Defence portfolio.
  • Company: Join Austability Group Limited, a key player in Defence and National Security.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, structured progression, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with a focus on innovation and technology adoption.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in finance while working in a dynamic sector.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in corporate finance with a professional accounting qualification.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid / Fulham, London, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Finance

Annual Salary range: £70,000.00 - £85,000.00

Austability Group Limited, a UK-based Defence and National Security holding company managing a portfolio of contracting subsidiaries across Five Eyes nations and partner countries, is seeking a Head of Group Finance to lead the operational delivery of the Group’s financial management framework and capital deployment execution. This appointment represents an opportunity to own the finance function beneath VP level — combining rigorous financial governance and statutory compliance with the execution of capital deployment decisions across a growing Defence and National Security portfolio.

The successful candidate will build the reporting, controls, and investment tracking infrastructure that enables AGL to meet the governance standard demanded by Defence clients, lenders, and the Board. The Head of Group Finance reporting to the Vice President, Finance, is the senior finance professional within the Finance Directorate. The role carries dual accountability: maintaining the operational integrity of AGL’s financial management framework across all Group entities, and transforming approved capital allocation decisions into precise, timely deployments that maximise long-term shareholder value. The role provides line management of the Senior Group Finance Officer and must maintain business continuity readiness to assume direct operational control of the SGFO function.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Own delivery of management accounts, external audit coordination, going concern assessment, and statutory filings to Board standard
  • Execute approved capital allocation decisions: equity injections, intercompany loans, acquisition funding, and subsidiary capital calls
  • Build and maintain the Group’s investment performance monitoring framework (IRR, MOIC, payback analysis)
  • Produce cash flow forecasts, manage liquidity, coordinate debt facility drawdowns, and maintain covenant compliance
  • Manage intercompany funding mechanics, transfer pricing documentation, and management fee recognition
  • Provide strategic programme ownership of finance workstreams within the D365 ERP implementation
  • Identify and implement AI, automation, and emerging technology to strengthen financial controls
  • Line‑manage the Senior Group Finance Officer with business continuity coverage

Professional Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years’ post‑qualification experience in corporate finance, group accounting, or treasury multi‑entity or group holding company experience with line management responsibility
  • IFRS consolidation, statutory reporting, cash forecasting, and investment performance analysis
  • Demonstrable experience applying AI, automation, or emerging technology within a finance function
  • Experience within or serving Defence, National Security, or adjacent regulated sectors is highly desirable

Qualifications:

  • Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with current membership; Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline
  • AGL welcomes candidates who demonstrate equivalent capability through alternative career paths
  • Precision and rigour in Board‑level financial reporting
  • Proactive escalation — risks surfaced early with options, not after the window has closed
  • Process discipline and commitment to auditable records; intellectual curiosity and a bias toward technology adoption over manual processes
  • Discretion in handling commercially sensitive financial and investment information

Remuneration:

A salary in the range of £70,000–£85,000 per annum is offered, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. A structured progression framework is in place, with advancement to £85,000–£100,000 linked to KPI delivery and capability development within the first 24 months.

Head of Group Finance in London employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd

Austability Group Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Fulham, London, where innovation meets integrity in the Defence and National Security sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides structured progression opportunities linked to performance, alongside a commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to enhance financial operations. Join a team that values precision, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence, all while contributing to critical national security initiatives.

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Contact Details:

Hollybank Trustees Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Group Finance in London

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Ace the Interview

Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like financial governance and capital deployment. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends to boost your confidence!

Showcase Your Skills

When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with IFRS consolidation and cash forecasting. Bring examples of how you've used AI or automation in finance to improve processes. We want to see you shine and demonstrate your value!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through our site can give you an edge, as we often prioritise candidates who show genuine interest in our company. So, keep an eye out and apply early!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Group Finance in London

Financial Management
Capital Deployment Execution
Statutory Compliance
Management Accounts Delivery
External Audit Coordination
Cash Flow Forecasting
Liquidity Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Group Finance role. Highlight your experience in corporate finance, group accounting, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial governance and capital deployment. Let your personality shine through while keeping it professional!

Showcase Your Tech Savvy:Since we're keen on AI and automation, make sure to mention any experience you have with emerging technologies in finance. We love candidates who are proactive about adopting new tools to enhance financial controls!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd

Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Group Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and frameworks relevant to the role, such as IRR, MOIC, and cash flow forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This position involves line management responsibilities, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing multi-entity finance functions and how you’ve fostered collaboration and accountability within your team.

Understand the Defence Sector

Familiarise yourself with the Defence and National Security landscape. Research current trends, challenges, and regulations that impact financial management in this sector. This knowledge will show your commitment and understanding of the unique environment you'll be working in.

Emphasise Technology Adoption

With a focus on AI and automation, be ready to discuss how you've implemented technology to enhance financial controls. Share specific examples of tools or systems you've used and the impact they had on efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.