Head of Finance in London

Head of Finance in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Phipps Cameron Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance operations, budgeting, forecasting, and M&A activities.
  • Company: High-growth, PE-backed technology platform in Bonn, Germany.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and clear path to CFO role.
  • Why this job: Accelerate your career towards a C-suite position with real influence.
  • Qualifications: 6+ years in finance, auditing experience, and fluent in German and English.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with strong private equity backing and growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We are partnering with a high-growth, PE-backed Technology platform seeking a Head of Finance with a clear and structured progression to CFO within 3-5 years. This is a career-defining opportunity for a high-performing finance professional (6+ years' experience) with a background in Auditing, Finance, Controlling, FP&A, who is ready to step into a full leadership role to build their financial engine from the ground up and grow towards a C-suite position. It operates as a key platform within a larger European Software Business. The organisation is entering its next phase of integration, optimisation, and strategic expansion under strong Private Equity backing.

This is a strategic and operational finance leadership position, offering:

  • Full ownership of finance operations in Germany
  • Leadership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
  • Direct involvement in M&A, bolt-on acquisitions, and integration
  • Business partnering with senior commercial leadership
  • Active exposure to PE stakeholders and group leadership

You will build the finance infrastructure required for scale, professionalise reporting, and act as a strategic sounding board to the management. Over time, the mandate will expand into full P&L ownership and ultimately CFO responsibilities as a succession plan in the next 3-5 years.

Why This Role is Different

  • Clear, credible pathway to CFO - succession planning already aligned
  • Direct exposure to private equity and board-level decision-making
  • Real transformation environment (post-merger integration + growth)
  • Backed by a well-established Private Equity firm
  • High autonomy and genuine influence over business strategy

This is designed for someone who wants to accelerate into a C-suite role rather than remain in a specialist track.

Ideal Profile

  • 6+ years' experience of current or previous experience from Big4/6/8 or equivalent level within Auditing
  • Experience in PE-backed, technology, or financial services environments is advantageous
  • Ambitious, high-energy, and comfortable operating with senior stakeholders and investors.
  • You are excited to set up processes, tools, and reporting from scratch rather than just maintaining them.
  • You understand what it takes to get a company 'deal-ready' and are comfortable with the pace of a 2027 exit timeline.
  • Fluent German and English

If interested, feel free to apply directly or email me with your CV and let's get talking.

Head of Finance in London employer: Phipps Cameron Recruitment

Join a dynamic and rapidly growing technology platform in Bonn, Germany, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the financial landscape and progress towards a CFO role within 3-5 years. Our culture fosters high autonomy, strategic influence, and direct engagement with private equity stakeholders, ensuring that your contributions are valued and impactful. With a focus on professional development and a clear pathway to leadership, this is an exceptional environment for ambitious finance professionals looking to make a significant mark in their careers.
Phipps Cameron Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Phipps Cameron Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in PE-backed companies. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Head of Finance role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financials and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their growth and how you can contribute to their success.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you’ve built financial processes or led teams. This is your chance to shine and prove you’re the right fit for a strategic role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
Budgeting
Forecasting
Auditing
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Business Partnering
Private Equity Exposure
Strategic Financial Leadership
P&L Ownership
Process Development
Reporting Professionalisation
Stakeholder Management
Fluent in German and English
High Energy and Ambition

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your background in finance, auditing, and any relevant experience in PE-backed environments to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how your ambitions align with our vision for the future. Be genuine and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves building a financial engine from scratch, emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in fast-paced environments.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 Phipps Cameron Recruitment

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Be prepared to explain your approach to budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role is all about leadership, so think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your experience in building finance operations from the ground up and how you’ve partnered with senior leadership to drive business strategy.

✨Understand the PE Landscape

Since this position involves direct exposure to private equity stakeholders, make sure you understand their expectations and how they operate. Familiarise yourself with the concept of being 'deal-ready' and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the company's growth and exit strategy.

✨Prepare for Strategic Questions

Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and operational capabilities. Think about how you would approach M&A activities and integration processes. Prepare to discuss your vision for the finance function and how it aligns with the company’s goals.

Head of Finance in London
Phipps Cameron Recruitment
Location: London

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