At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, managing accounting operations and financial reporting.
- Company: Dynamic commercial business with a global parent group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000 plus benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the finance department from the ground up in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified preferred; strong accounting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Hemel Hempstead
Salary: Up to £80,000 + Benefits
Position: Full-time, Permanent
About the Business
We are exclusively partnering with a highly successful, growing commercial business to recruit a hands-on Head of Finance. The company operates as a lean, profitable UK commercial hub backed by a major global parent group. Due to a strategic restructuring and a push for greater localized control, the business is completely insourcing its financial operations. This creates an exciting opportunity for a finance leader to shape an entire function from the ground up.
The Role
This is a highly autonomous, standalone position that requires a unique blend of technical accounting capability and a "roll-your-sleeves-up" attitude. You will not just be reviewing the numbers; you will be entirely responsible for producing them. The immediate priority will be leading a smooth transition project to bring all accounting functions completely in-house, designing new workflows, and establishing robust internal controls.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project-manage the full insourcing and optimisation of the UK entity's accounting functions.
- Take complete ownership of the preparation and timely production of monthly management accounts and statutory financial statements.
- Manage all localized financial reporting, corporate tax alignment, and VAT compliance.
- Establish, implement, and tighten internal controls, commercial processes, and financial systems.
- Provide clear financial commentary, budgeting, and forecasting directly to executive leadership.
- Act as the primary UK point of contact for external auditors, banks, and the international group finance team.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Qualification: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified is highly preferred.
- Background: This role is a perfect match for a high-caliber Accountancy Practice 2nd mover looking for their next step in industry, or an experienced SME Finance Manager/Controller used to running a lean, highly hands-on department.
- Technical Capability: A proven track record of personally producing full sets of statutory and management accounts from scratch is non-negotiable.
- Mindset: An adaptable, organized "all-rounder" who is equally comfortable dealing with high-level strategy as they are handling day-to-day, granular accounting tasks.
- Previous experience working within an international group or subsidiary framework is advantageous but not essential.
Finance Manager - Morgan McKinley in Hemel Hempstead employer: Morgan McKinley
Morgan McKinley is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Hemel Hempstead, where finance professionals can thrive. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company provides unique opportunities to shape financial operations from the ground up, ensuring that every team member's contributions are valued. The culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Morgan McKinley in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry, attend local meetups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific projects where you’ve successfully managed financial processes or implemented controls. This will demonstrate that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented finance professionals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Morgan McKinley in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Manager. Highlight your experience with insourcing financial operations and managing accounting functions, as this is key for us.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA credentials have helped you produce statutory and management accounts. We want to see your hands-on experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this standalone position. Share specific examples of how you've led projects or improved financial processes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical accounting skills. Brush up on your knowledge of statutory and management accounts, and be ready to discuss how you've produced them in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to handle financial reporting and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
This role involves leading the insourcing of accounting functions, so be prepared to talk about your project management experience. Think of specific projects where you’ve successfully managed transitions or optimised processes, and highlight your hands-on approach to problem-solving.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s background and its global parent group. Understanding their business model and how finance plays a role in their strategy will help you align your answers with their goals. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your adaptability and decision-making skills. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to tighten internal controls or manage financial reporting under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
