At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring strong financial control and insightful reporting.
- Company: Dynamic business investing in growth and technology, with a focus on finance.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape finance, competitive salary, and opportunities for impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for an ambitious finance leader ready to make their mark.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a fast-paced, ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with finance leadership experience and strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
A newly created senior leadership role with a business that is investing heavily in growth, people, systems and technology — and finance is at the centre of that journey. Reporting directly to the CCO and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Finance will play a critical role in strengthening the financial foundations of the business as it scales over the next two years.
With continued investment in people, processes, systems (Business Central) and new technologies, this is an opportunity to shape and modernise the finance function while providing commercial insight that drives strategic decision‑making.
The Role
You’ll lead the finance function, ensuring strong financial control, accurate and timely reporting, effective cash management and commercially focused financial support across the business. This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to a qualified finance professional (ACCA, ACA or CIMA) who thrives in a fast‑paced, growing environment. You may already be leading finance within an SME or be ready to step into your first Head of Finance position. Experience gained within a larger corporate environment would be advantageous, bringing a best‑practice mindset and strong operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
- Full ownership of the P&L, balance sheet and cash flow
- Delivering insightful monthly management accounts to agreed deadlines
- Strengthening financial controls, processes and reporting standards
- Leading year-end processes, audit and statutory compliance
- Managing cash flow and working capital, including stock, debtors and creditors
- Partnering with commercial teams to provide margin analysis, pricing support and customer profitability insight
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning
- Working closely with sales teams to improve financial understanding and performance visibility
- Driving full utilisation and adoption of Business Central to improve efficiency and scalability
- Leading and developing a small finance team
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIMA)
- Previous finance leadership or senior management experience
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
- Experience within a growing SME environment
- Confident using and optimising Business Central
- Proactive, hands‑on and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels
Why Apply?
This is more than just a finance role — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a business that is ambitious, agile and growing quickly in a competitive market. You’ll have the autonomy to shape the finance function, influence business decisions and help build the platform for the next stage of growth. A genuinely exciting opportunity for an ambitious finance leader ready to make their mark.
Head of Finance in Peterborough employer: Nel Woolcott Recruitment
Join a dynamic and ambitious company that prioritises growth, innovation, and employee development. As the Head of Finance, you will not only lead a vital function but also have the opportunity to shape the financial landscape of a rapidly expanding business. With a strong focus on modernising processes and systems, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and offers the autonomy to make impactful decisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Peterborough
✨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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment. 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 Peterborough
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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment.
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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment'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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment
✨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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment.
✨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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment 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 Nel Woolcott Recruitment 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.
