At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance functions, drive growth, and enhance reporting in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established business in Berkshire with a focus on transformation and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, medical insurance, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by reshaping finance and leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and technical skills in finance.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sewell Wallis is partnering with a well-established business based in Berkshire, near Slough, to recruit an experienced Head of Finance. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with a proven track record of leading finance functions within a large, multi-entity organisation, managing a finance team of approximately 30 people. You will be an inspiring and influential leader with a passion for driving transformation, capable of engaging an established team and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to reshape the finance function by enhancing reporting, strengthening financial controls, and evolving the team from a transactional service to a commercially focused, value-adding business partner. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact within a well-established organisation, leading meaningful change while working alongside a fantastic team with extensive expertise in business transformation and organisational change.
What will you be doing?
- Lead the finance, accounting, payroll, and reporting functions, driving sales growth, profitability, financial performance, and delivery of strategic business objectives.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and development for finance teams, fostering a high-performance culture built on accountability, continuous improvement, employee wellbeing, and values.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly management accounts, annual statutory accounts, tax computations, budgets, forecasts, and profit plans, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
- Own and manage the end-to-end external audit process, including tax reporting, while acting as the technical expert on accounting standards, tax regulations, and financial governance.
- Maintain a robust financial control environment by ensuring effective accounting systems, internal controls, policies, procedures, and compliance with local and group requirements.
- Drive financial planning, cash flow management, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting to support operational decision-making, identify risks and opportunities, and improve business performance.
- Build strong cross-functional partnerships with internal stakeholders, divisional controllers, group finance teams, auditors, and tax advisors to deliver accurate financial reporting and continuous process improvement.
- Champion exceptional customer service, lead strategic and ad hoc business improvement initiatives, and support the Finance Director with key projects that enhance organisational growth and operational effectiveness.
What skills are we looking for?
- Qualified Accountant
- Strong technical knowledge, ideally practice trained (understanding of IFRS16, IFRS15, IAS2, IAS36, IAS37 and FRS102)
- Experience with asset and lease accounting
- A strong people manager who can develop and motivate teams
- Previous experience in a large, multi-entity/group environment
- Must have consolidation and intercompany experience
- Experience using Business intelligence and AI tools would be desirable
- Previous experience overseeing the tax returns
- The drive and enthusiasm to make change within the organisation, the confidence to challenge the status quo, and come in with a positive can-do attitude.
What's on offer?
- Salary of £90,000-£100,000
- 20% bonus
- Company car/allowance
- Medical Insurance
- Company Pension
- Hybrid working - approx. 3 days on site
- Parking available on site
Send us your CV below, or contact Inci Evcil for more information. To apply please send your CV, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications please accept that if we have not responded to your application within seven days, your application has not been successful.
Head of Finance in Slough employer: Sewell Wallis Ltd
Sewell Wallis is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment in Halifax, West Yorkshire, where AAT qualified Accountants can thrive. With flexible working options, hybrid arrangements, and a commitment to employee growth through study support, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in accountancy.
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.
✨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 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 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.
