At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, reporting, and strategic support for a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join Watsons, a respected firm of Chartered Surveyors with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 5 weeks annual leave, and performance-related bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of a senior leadership team driving operational efficiency and strategic growth.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified in finance with proven senior experience and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a small team and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Keeler Recruitment is delighted to be exclusively partnered with Watsons, a long-established and respected firm of Chartered Surveyors, to recruit a commercially focused and strategically driven Head of Business Finance. This is a key leadership role offering broad responsibility across financial planning, reporting, and strategic business support. As part of the senior leadership team, you will provide insight and guidance to drive performance and operational efficiency.
You will lead a small business finance team, ensuring robust financial controls, timely reporting, and the delivery of meaningful management information. The role requires a strong focus on process improvement, automation, and the development of clear, integrated financial reporting to support decision-making at all levels of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and financial commentary for senior stakeholders.
- Deliver accurate and timely year-end accounts and oversee the audit process in collaboration with external accountants.
- Drive budgeting and forecasting processes across the business, supporting department heads with financial planning and performance reviews.
- Regularly review and enhance financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance and best practice.
- Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement and automation to increase efficiency and reduce manual tasks.
- Present financial performance and strategy updates through the monthly Financial Steering Group.
- Monitor cash flow, oversee transaction processes, and support cost control and procurement strategies.
- Provide financial analysis and insight to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and risk management.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and auditors.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small finance team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance role
- Confident working cross-functionally and presenting to leadership
- Strong knowledge of financial systems and reporting tools
- Hands-on approach with a focus on continuous improvement
- Performance-related bonus
- 5 weeks' annual leave + your birthday off + 4 well-being days
- Hybrid working, free on-site parking, and modern office environment
- Perkbox rewards, employee wellness programmes, and professional development opportunities
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and growing business in a highly visible, value-adding role.
Head of Business Finance employer: Keeler Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Keeler Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial systems and reporting tools commonly used in the industry. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in senior roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the expectations of a Head of Business Finance and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven process improvements and automation in previous roles. Highlighting these experiences will showcase your ability to enhance operational efficiency, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Watsons and their recent projects or initiatives. Being knowledgeable about the company will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest, making you a more appealing candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial planning, reporting, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and operational efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your qualifications align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Clearly state your professional qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent) and any relevant certifications. This will help establish your credibility and suitability for the senior finance role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in leading and mentoring finance teams. Provide examples of how you have promoted a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keeler Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Business Finance, you'll be leading a small team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any mentoring or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Expect questions about financial planning, reporting, and strategic support. Brush up on your knowledge of financial systems and reporting tools, and be ready to discuss how you've improved processes or implemented automation in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You may be asked to solve hypothetical problems related to budgeting, forecasting, or cash flow management. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these scenarios to showcase your analytical skills.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since the role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with clients, suppliers, or auditors. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to influence others positively.