At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management, budgeting, and strategic decision-making in a growing SME.
- Company: Join a dynamic, privately-owned SME based in Chelmsford, Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and a supportive, entrepreneurial work environment.
- Other info: This is a fully office-based role; we value diversity and encourage all to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the future of a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with experience in a broad finance role, ideally in SMEs.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
I am exclusively recruiting for a privately-owned SME based in Chelmsford, Essex, and we’re looking for a talented and driven Head of Finance / Finance Manager to join the leadership team. This is a hands-on, broad finance role, ideal for someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is excited to play a key part in supporting the future growth of the business.
As a growing company, we need a finance leader who can provide both day-to-day financial management and strategic input, ensuring the business continues to scale effectively and profitably.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and reporting.
- Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts, KPIs, and financial analysis for the senior leadership team.
- Manage financial controls, compliance, and statutory reporting (including liaising with external accountants/auditors).
- Support strategic decision-making by providing insightful analysis and commercial recommendations.
- Drive process improvements, systems development, and efficiencies across finance and operations.
- Lead on payroll, VAT, and other regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Partner with the owners and management team to evaluate growth initiatives, and long-term planning.
About You
- Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with demonstrable experience in a similar broad finance role, ideally within an SME environment.
- Commercially minded with the ability to get into the detail whilst also contributing strategically.
- Strong technical accounting skills, combined with a proactive, “hands-on” approach.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work closely with non-finance colleagues.
- Ambitious, adaptable, and excited by the opportunity to make a real impact in a growing business.
What They Offer
- A varied and rewarding role with genuine influence over the direction of the business.
- Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
- Opportunity to work in a supportive, entrepreneurial environment with long-term growth potential.
If you are a finance professional looking for a role where you can roll up your sleeves, take ownership, and shape the future of a growing SME, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note that this is a fully office-based role in Chelmsford, Essex.
Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.
Head of Finance / Finance Manager in Chelmsford employer: Rutherford Briant
Join a dynamic and supportive team that values work-life balance, offering you the flexibility of remote work with minimal travel to London. As a growing SME, we prioritise employee development and provide ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring you can thrive in your bookkeeping career while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance / Finance Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. Attend local finance events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their financial history, current challenges, and growth plans. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage financial operations and drive strategic initiatives. Highlight instances where you've successfully implemented process improvements or contributed to significant business decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your soft skills during the interview process. As a finance leader, you'll need to communicate effectively with non-finance colleagues. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms to demonstrate your ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance / Finance Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance management, particularly in an SME environment. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and any hands-on roles you've held that demonstrate your ability to manage financial operations effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
Highlight Key Achievements:In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive process improvements and provide insightful financial analysis. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
Showcase Soft Skills:Given the importance of communication and collaboration in this role, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with non-finance colleagues or contributed to team projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford Briant
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your technical accounting skills in detail. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the hands-on aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Since the role requires strategic input, come equipped with insights on how you can contribute to the company's growth. Prepare to discuss past experiences where your financial analysis led to significant business decisions or improvements.
✨Communicate Effectively
Given the need to work closely with non-finance colleagues, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to influence and collaborate across departments, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The company is looking for someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment. Share examples of how you've adapted to change in previous roles and how you can bring that flexibility to their growing business.
