Head of Finance in London

Head of Finance in London

London Full-Time 65000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Johnson Matthey

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial performance and drive accountability for cost and productivity.
  • Company: Join Johnson Matthey, a leader in sustainable technology with over 200 years of history.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and offers excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while advancing your finance career.
  • Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.

At Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. As a Head of Finance, you’ll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history. Using advanced metals chemistry, you’ll help tackle the world’s biggest challenges - cutting emissions, powering modern life and supporting life-saving technologies - by applying, refining and recycling metals that matter for a healthier, more sustainable, circular future.

The role:

  • Leading financial performance across the UK, ensuring delivery of P&L, cash and working capital commitments
  • Partnering with operations and commercial teams to set targets and drive accountability for cost, margin and productivity
  • Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing challenge and insight on strategic and operational decisions
  • Owning planning cycles including budget, forecasts and long-range plans, with clear scenario analysis and course correction
  • Driving performance insight through robust KPI tracking, root cause analysis and delivery of corrective actions
  • Leading governance, controls and audit readiness, while developing a high-performing UK finance team

Key skills that will help you succeed in this role:

  • Proven senior finance leadership experience with accountability for complex P&Ls
  • Strong understanding of financial governance, balance sheet management and audit processes
  • Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insight
  • Strong commercial acumen, including pricing, margin and profitability analysis within a manufacturing or industrial setting
  • Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders across a matrix organisation
  • Professional finance qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience

Even if you only match some of the skills, we’d love to hear from you to discuss further!

What we offer:

  • Competitive retirement savings
  • Company matched Share Incentive Plan
  • Life Assurance, Income Protection and Critical Illness
  • Medical plans/health assessments
  • Retailer and Wellbeing discounts
  • Competitive annual incentive plan

Ready to make a meaningful impact on your career and the environment? Join us and help shape a sustainable future while advancing your career!

At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.

For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact us. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.

Closing date for applications: This job advertisement will be posted for a minimum of 2 weeks, early application is advised.

Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.

Are you passionate about sustainable technology solutions, transforming energy, and reducing carbon emissions? At Johnson Matthey, our world-changing careers empower talented individuals to collaborate on impactful projects aimed at decarbonising modern life. Join us in catalysing the net-zero transition for a cleaner, brighter future.

Head of Finance in London employer: Johnson Matthey

At Johnson Matthey, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the heart of London, where your contributions as Head of Finance will directly impact our mission to create a sustainable future. We offer a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and diversity, alongside competitive benefits such as flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health plans, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives financial performance but also plays a crucial role in tackling global challenges through innovative technology.

Johnson Matthey

Contact Details:

Johnson Matthey Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 Johnson Matthey. 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 London

Senior Finance Leadership
P&L Management
Financial Governance
Balance Sheet Management
Audit Processes
Analytical Skills
Data Translation

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 Johnson Matthey.

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 Johnson Matthey'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 Johnson Matthey

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 Johnson Matthey.

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 Johnson Matthey 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 Johnson Matthey 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.