At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and partner with teams to drive strategic decisions.
- Company: Dynamic energy business within a large international group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on sustainable solutions and business growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while leading a talented finance team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Robert Half is partnering with a leading energy business that forms part of a large international group, combining the scale and backing of a multinational organisation with a commercially agile and operationally focused culture. This role sits within one of the group’s specialist divisions, supporting a broad portfolio of public and private sector clients across complex infrastructure and energy-related projects. The business operates in a fast-moving, project-driven environment, working closely with operational and commercial teams to deliver long-term sustainable solutions for clients across the UK.
This is a broad and commercially focused Head of Finance role, reporting directly into the Managing Director with a strong dotted line into the CFO. The position offers significant exposure to both operational and strategic leadership, combining ownership of the finance function with genuine influence across the business.
About the Position
As Head of Finance, you’ll lead the day-to-day finance function and act as a key business partner to both operational and commercial leadership teams. This is a highly visible role with broad exposure across financial control, planning, commercial decision-making, and operational performance. Day-to-day, you’ll:
- Lead, develop, and motivate the finance team, ensuring clear priorities, strong performance, and ongoing development across the function.
- Own the month-end close process, delivering accurate and timely management accounts, KPI reporting, and financial commentary to senior leadership.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and longer-term planning processes, including scenario analysis and performance modelling.
- Partner closely with operational and commercial stakeholders, supporting project delivery, procurement activity, contract reviews, and profitability improvement initiatives.
- Maintain a strong financial control environment, ensuring balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, and compliance with group and statutory requirements.
- Oversee cash flow management, working capital, payroll oversight, and liquidity forecasting.
- Coordinate statutory accounts preparation, audit processes, and wider external reporting requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, reporting, systems, and controls.
- Support senior leadership on strategic initiatives, investment decisions, and wider commercial projects.
- Act as a key finance lead across the division, providing insight, challenge, and commercial support to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
This role offers a strong blend of operational finance leadership and commercial business partnering, making it particularly well suited to someone who enjoys working closely with the business.
What We’re Looking For
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Significant post-qualified experience within a senior finance leadership role, or as a Financial Controller with broad responsibility across the entire finance function, and a track record of partnering closely with operational leadership to drive commercial performance, strategic decision-making, and business growth.
- Experience within either construction, energy services, or other project-based environments is highly desirable but not essential.
- Previous experience working closely with a Managing Director, Divisional Director, or senior operational leadership team, providing financial, commercial, and strategic support to drive business performance, growth, and decision-making.
- Experience gained within a business environment that has provided broad exposure across all aspects of finance, with responsibility for owning the numbers and supporting operational and commercial decision-making, rather than operating within a highly siloed corporate structure.
- Previous people management experience, with a track record of developing and leading high-performing teams.
Head of Finance in Slough employer: Robert Half
As a leading energy business in Central London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to sustainability, we offer our team members the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that make a real impact. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish within a multinational framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Slough
✨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.
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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 Robert Half. 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 Slough
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 Robert Half.
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 Robert Half'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 Robert Half
✨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 Robert Half.
✨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 Robert Half 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 Robert Half 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.
