At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for two dynamic companies.
- Company: Join Penman Consulting Group, a forward-thinking consultancy with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a strategic leadership team making impactful decisions in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5-10 years of senior finance experience required.
- Other info: Language skills in French, Dutch, or Flemish are a plus for our international operations.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 Β£ per year.
Location: Hybrid (UK-based preferred)
Reports To: CEO
Companies: Penman Consulting Group
Role Overview: The Group Head of Finance will be responsible for the overall financial leadership, strategy, planning, and governance of both Penman Consulting and Active Steward. This is a senior leadership role requiring hands-on oversight of the day-to-day finance operations while also contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term planning across the group.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute group-wide financial strategy aligned with business goals and growth objectives.
- Provide strategic insights and financial analysis to support investment, expansion, and operational initiatives.
- Support the CEOs and Boards in budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and business planning.
- Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, management accounts, cash flow, and treasury for both companies.
- Manage budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis processes.
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in consolidated reporting across entities.
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements in the UK and any other jurisdictions in which the group operates.
- Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies during audits and reporting cycles.
- Maintain up-to-date financial policies and procedures across the group.
- Operational Finance
- Manage accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and expense processes.
- Oversee and optimise financial systems, tools, and integrations (e.g., accounting platforms, ERP systems).
- Support procurement and contract financial reviews.
- Team & Stakeholder Management
- Lead and develop finance staff and external providers (e.g., accountants/bookkeepers).
- Act as a key liaison between finance and other departments including HR, operations, and technology.
- Present regular financial updates to stakeholders and provide input for investor or client reporting where needed.
Skills & Experience:
- Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with at least 5β10 years of senior finance experience.
- Proven experience managing finances across multiple entities or a group structure.
- Strong understanding of UK financial, tax, and regulatory environments.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act operationally.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in consultancy, scientific services, ESG, or SaaS environments.
- Knowledge of R&D tax credits, grants, or other innovation finance mechanisms.
- Familiarity with financial technology platforms and automation.
- Language skills in French, Dutch, or Flemish is a distinct advantage, reflecting the groupβs international operations.
- Knowledge of Belgian financial, tax, and regulatory environments is highly beneficial, particularly in support of cross-border compliance and operational alignment.
If you have any queries, please contact us.
Group Head of Finance employer: Penman Consulting
Contact Detail:
Penman Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Finance
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in consultancy or group structures. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial leadership.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements in the UK and Belgium. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and operational experience in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed finances across multiple entities and contributed to long-term planning.
β¨Tip Number 4
If you have language skills in French, Dutch, or Flemish, make sure to highlight these during your discussions. This could set you apart from other candidates and show your ability to engage with the group's international operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Finance
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial leadership and strategy. Emphasise your qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, and detail your experience managing finances across multiple entities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined, particularly in strategic leadership and compliance.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as stakeholder management, communication, and operational finance. Mention any experience with financial technology platforms and your knowledge of UK and Belgian regulatory environments.
Showcase Strategic Thinking: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to think strategically and act operationally. Highlight specific instances where you contributed to business planning or financial analysis that supported growth objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penman Consulting
β¨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Group Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and execute financial strategies. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully aligned financial goals with business objectives, highlighting your strategic insights.
β¨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Familiarise yourself with UK financial regulations and compliance standards, as well as any relevant international laws. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this responsibility at Penman Consulting Group.
β¨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing finance teams and collaborating with other departments. Share specific instances where your leadership made a positive impact on team performance or stakeholder relationships.
β¨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Bring examples of how you've managed financial operations across multiple entities, and be ready to explain your approach to variance analysis and cash flow management.