At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and drive strategic financial decisions.
- Company: Established FMCG leader known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Excellent salary package and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a company poised for sustained growth and success.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of finance in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with leadership experience in finance.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Our client is a long established, privately-owned market leader in the FMCG manufacturing industry, supplying both national chains and independent retail groups. With a reputation for award winning design, exceptional product quality and outstanding customer service, the business has built strong long-term partnerships with some of the leading national retailers as well as large independent retail groups. Following significant investment in its production and distribution facilities, the company is positioned for sustained growth over the coming years. As part of their ongoing growth and planned succession, they are now seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to join their team.
The Head of Finance will be responsible for the overall leadership of the finance function, managing a team of five finance professionals while acting as a key member of the senior leadership team. The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting capability with commercial awareness, delivering accurate financial reporting, insightful analysis and robust financial governance whilst supporting the Directors with strategic decision making.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and experienced finance professional who has experience of working within the retail or FMCG industries. They will provide insightful financial reporting and business analysis to support strategic decision-making. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring financial control, improving processes, and contributing to the ongoing success of the business.
Skills and Competencies Required
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA).
- Experience leading a finance function within a comparably sized manufacturing, retail or FMCG environment.
- Proven experience producing management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and commercial analysis.
- Strong people leadership with experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Excellent ERP/accounting systems knowledge with advanced Excel skills.
- Commercially focused with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.
- Hands-on, proactive and capable of balancing strategic and operational responsibilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders.
- Proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to identify improvements and implement change.
Head of Finance in Stevenage employer: Novo
Novo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Scotland where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide ample opportunities for leadership advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values high GMP standards and customer satisfaction. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in the biopharma sector, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Stevenage
✨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 Novo. 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 Stevenage
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 Novo.
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 Novo'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 Novo
✨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 Novo.
✨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 Novo 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 Novo 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.
