At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic finance team and drive transformation in a global manufacturing company.
- Company: Join a well-established global manufacturer based in Berkshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private medical insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a significant leadership role with real impact.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and technical accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 94500 - 115500 £ per year.
Sewell Wallis is working with a highly established global manufacturer based in Berkshire to appoint a Head of Finance.
This is a senior finance leadership position with responsibility for a large, multi-entity finance operation and a clear mandate to drive transformation, strengthen controls and bring greater commercial focus to the function.
The successful candidate will take ownership of the Group's financial reporting and control environment while leading a finance team.
You'll have the opportunity to influence how the function operates, develop an established team and introduce improvements that have a measurable impact across the wider business.
You'll be joining an organisation with significant experience in business transformation and organisational change, making this an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance leader who enjoys challenging existing processes and creating a more effective, commercially driven finance function.
What will you be doing?
As Head of Finance, you will have broad responsibility across financial control, reporting, accounting and finance operations. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the Group finance, accounting, payroll and reporting functions, ensuring high standards of financial performance, control and service.
- Take ownership of monthly management reporting, statutory accounts, budgets, forecasts, profit plans and associated financial analysis.
- Provide technical leadership across lease and asset accounting, with particular responsibility for ensuring the accurate application of IFRS 16 across the Group.
- Oversee complex accounting matters and act as a key technical point of reference for accounting standards, financial governance and regulatory requirements.
- Manage the year-end statutory audit and associated tax reporting processes, working closely with external auditors and tax advisers.
- Strengthen the Group's financial control framework, ensuring robust systems, processes, policies and procedures are embedded throughout the organisation.
- Lead cash-flow management, budgeting, forecasting and KPI reporting to provide the business with clear and commercially relevant financial insight.
- Oversee consolidation and intercompany accounting across a large, multi-entity Group structure.
- Partner with divisional and operational leaders to identify financial risks, opportunities and areas for improved performance.
- Lead, coach and develop a finance team of approximately 30, creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and high performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and reporting, including the effective use of business intelligence and AI tools.
- Support the Finance Director with strategic projects, transformation initiatives and wider business improvement programmes.
What we're looking for?
We're looking for an experienced and technically strong qualified accountant who can combine excellent technical accounting knowledge with proven senior leadership experience.
Most importantly, you will need
- A fully qualified accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
- Ideally, a practice-trained background with strong technical accounting foundations.
- Detailed knowledge of relevant accounting standards, including IFRS 16, IFRS 15, IAS 2, IAS 36, IAS 37 and FRS 102.
- Proven experience operating within a large Group or multi-entity organisation.
- Strong consolidation and intercompany accounting experience.
- A track record of leading and developing sizeable finance teams.
- Experience within logistics, distribution, manufacturing, engineering or another asset-intensive environment would be highly advantageous.
- The confidence to challenge existing processes, influence senior stakeholders and drive meaningful change.
- A commercially minded, positive and pragmatic approach, with the ability to balance technical accuracy with business needs.
- Experience with business intelligence and AI-enabled finance tools would be advantageous.
What's on offer?
- Salary: up to £105,000 (dependent on experience)
- 20% bonus
- Company car / car allowance
- Private medical insurance
- Company pension
- Hybrid working approximately 3 days per week on site
- On-site parking
- Opportunity to lead and shape a significant finance function within an established organisation
Head of Finance in England employer: Sewell Wallis Ltd
Sewell Wallis Ltd offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Harrogate, making it an excellent employer for aspiring accountants. With a strong focus on employee growth through study support and a collaborative finance team, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to meaningful management accounting projects. The company's commitment to continuous process improvement ensures that you will be part of an innovative culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in England
✨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 Sewell Wallis Ltd. 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 England
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 Sewell Wallis Ltd.
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 Sewell Wallis Ltd'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 Sewell Wallis Ltd
✨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 Sewell Wallis Ltd.
✨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 Sewell Wallis Ltd 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 Sewell Wallis Ltd 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.
