Head of Finance in Exeter

A commercially astute dynamic qualified accountant is needed to join an established and growing multi-site organisation at their head office in Exeter on an 8 month contract to commence early May 2026, with potential for the post holder to take up the role on a permanent basis. This is not the average accounting role! It is a rare opportunity for a proactive qualified accounting professional to join an organisation that is leading the way in its sector and where you can genuinely make a difference to lives in local communities.

Head of Finance – The Role

As part of a friendly, dedicated senior management team, the Head of Finance is a critical role where you will be working at a strategic level, taking ownership of delivering a comprehensive finance function across all sites as well as providing financial guidance on commercial opportunities and cost saving measures.

Duties will include:

• Leading and developing the small finance team of 4.
• Providing timely, insightful and accurate management information reporting for senior management.
• Monthly management accounts preparation and reporting for budget holders and management.
• Delivering insightful financial analysis as well as operational and strategic financial advice for the board.
• Oversee the budget preparation for each site as well as the consolidated budget, monitoring and supporting and challenging non-finance budget holders as needed.
• Strengthening the financial management and understanding across multiple sites.
• Forecast planning and production.
• Control and manage working capital and cashflow.
• Production of annual statutory accounts, manage and liaise with external auditors and tax specialists as needed.
• Continuous review and improvement of processes and controls across the finance function.
• Provide financial leadership to major change projects, investment and capital expenditure.
• Review of suppliers ensuring value for money and cost-effective solutions are in place.
• Risk Management including appropriate insurance policies are in place.
• Continual development of systems and processes.

Head of Finance – The Rewards

Competitive salary of £55,000pa – £65,000pa plus hybrid working, superb benefits including very generous pension scheme, holiday entitlement, as well as ongoing support and development. This employer provides an engaging working environment where you will see the impact of your contribution every day. Hours of work: 37 hours, Mon – Fri.

Head of Finance – The Person

We are keen to hear from ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant with excellent technical knowledge, proven ability in delivering all aspects of an effective finance function, as well as experience of strategic planning and accounting software implementations. You will be a self-starter with a high energy approach and a desire to work in a fast-paced changing organisation. With a track record in managing staff and reporting at board level, you’ll be a first-rate communicator able to inspire, persuade and influence with the ability to positively manage and empower others to achieve. You will enjoy using your commercial skills – able to see the bigger picture and plan ahead whilst also being hands on as needed to ensure projects are delivered on time and to budget. A natural problem-solver with excellent analytical skills, able to analyse.

Please note whilst this is a hybrid role, you will need to attend multiple sites in the Exeter area and therefore you will need to have your own transport. This is an urgent requirement; CVs will be reviewed upon receipt with interviews to take place early w/c 20th April 2026.