At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial insights to the Board.
- Company: Join a prestigious hospital and events organisation in a stunning venue.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in finance, preferably in hospitality or events, with strong Excel skills.
A highly regarded hospital and events organisation operating from one of the most impressive and distinctive venues in the Farnham area. Set within beautiful historic surroundings, the location offers a working environment that is genuinely unlike a traditional office setting. Not only will you be working within the enviable environment but you will be working in a very collaborative and cohesive working environment.
You will take full ownership of its finance function. This is a broad and highly visible position combining financial control, management reporting, commercial business partnering and hands-on operational accounting. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the successful candidate will provide clear financial insight, maintain robust controls and support informed commercial decision-making across the organisation.
Benefits:- Senior and highly visible position within an established hospitality business
- Direct exposure to the Board of Directors
- Full ownership of the finance function
- Opportunity to influence financial controls, systems and commercial decision-making
- Broad role combining strategic input with hands-on accounting
- Support from a part-time Finance Assistant
- Hybrid working: 4 days in the office, 1 day working from home
- Hours: 09.30 am – 17:30
- 25 days annual leave
- Private health cover
- Discretionary bonus
The successful Head of Finance will take responsibility for the complete day-to-day financial management of the organisation, ensuring accurate reporting, effective controls and full compliance with statutory requirements. You will act as a key business partner to the Board of Directors, providing commercial insight, challenging financial performance and supporting the delivery of the organisation’s strategic objectives. This is a hands-on role that will require the successful candidate to manage the monthly reporting cycle while retaining oversight of payroll, invoicing, cash flow, supplier payments, revenue recognition and financial controls.
Responsibilities will include:- Producing accurate monthly management accounts, including the profit and loss account, balance sheet and supporting schedules
- Preparing the monthly accounts pack and presenting financial performance to the Board in a deck slide formation
- Leading the annual budgeting process and completing monthly forecast updates
- Producing cash flow forecasts and identifying potential financial risks and opportunities
- Analysing financial results, investigating variances and recommending appropriate actions
- Providing commercial support and financial insight to Heads of Department
- Developing and maintaining effective financial controls, processes and accounting policies
- Managing year-end statutory accounts, audit requirements and tax matters in conjunction with external advisers
- Ensuring compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, workplace pensions, VAT and other statutory obligations
- Processing monthly payroll for permanent and casual employees
- Managing pension submissions and payments through NEST
- Overseeing client invoicing, receipts, deferred revenue and credit control
- Completing daily and monthly bank reconciliations
- Managing supplier reconciliations, payment runs and credit card expenditure
- Maintaining accruals, prepayments and the fixed asset register
- Managing monthly stock takes and calculating food and beverage cost of sales
- Preparing profit and loss reporting in USALI format
- Ensuring all balance sheet accounts are reconciled and fully supported
- Completing quarterly VAT returns
- Coordinating finance-related projects and process improvements
- Managing and developing the part-time Finance Assistant
- Representing finance at weekly operational meetings
- Supporting the administration of casual workers, including starter documentation, payroll information and right-to-work records
- A minimum of five years’ experience within a self-accounting finance environment
- Previous financial management experience gained within hospitality, events, hotels or a similarly operational business
- Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cash flow reporting
- Strong working knowledge of balance sheet controls, payroll, VAT and statutory compliance
- The ability to operate at both a strategic and detailed transactional level
- Experience working with senior leadership teams and presenting financial information to directors
- Strong commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge and influence operational decisions
- Experience managing or supervising a member of a finance team
- Advanced Excel skills and strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Experience using Xero, Sage or a comparable accounting system
- Knowledge of property management, venue management or point-of-sale systems would be advantageous
- Familiarity with USALI reporting would be beneficial
- CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualification would be desirable, although candidates qualified by experience will also be considered
Head of Finance in Farnham employer: Howett Thorpe
Howett Thorpe is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, and flexible working options, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in the vibrant town of Farnham. Join a dedicated team committed to fostering positive change and making a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Farnham
✨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 Howett Thorpe. 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 Farnham
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 Howett Thorpe.
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 Howett Thorpe'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 Howett Thorpe
✨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 Howett Thorpe.
✨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 Howett Thorpe 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 Howett Thorpe 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.
