At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK finance operations, ensuring compliance and providing strategic financial insights.
- Company: Dynamic organisation with a focus on growth and leadership development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000 and superb benefits package.
- Other info: Genuine progression to Finance Director role with senior leadership exposure.
- Why this job: Shape business strategy and influence decision-making in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly into the UK Managing Director and working closely with Group Finance, you will take ownership of the UK finance function, ensuring strong governance, accurate reporting, and providing strategic financial insight to support business growth. Over time, this role is designed to evolve into a full Finance Director remit, expanding into broader business leadership, strategic planning, and organisational development responsibilities, significantly amplifying your commercial impact and influence across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all UK financial operations, ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards, statutory reporting requirements, and group reporting
- Oversee monthly management accounts, statutory accounts preparation, and audit processes
- Act as a trusted business partner to senior leadership, providing guidance on pricing, contracts, investments, and commercial strategy
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning activities
- Deliver financial and sales performance analysis to support strategic decision‑making
- Ensure compliance across tax obligations including Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, and National Insurance
- Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital optimisation, and banking relationships
- Represent UK finance within the wider group structure and support group reporting and process improvements
- Promote strong financial controls, governance, and continuous improvement across finance processes
About You
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
- Strong background in UK statutory reporting, audit processes, and tax compliance
- Proven experience producing management accounts and leading budgeting/forecasting processes
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence operational and strategic decision making
- Experience working within manufacturing or engineering environments would be advantageous but is not essential
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ambitious, commercially driven, and motivated by long‑term leadership progression
What's On Offer
- Package up to £75,000
- Superb benefits package
- Clear and genuine progression to Finance Director
- Opportunity to shape and influence business strategy
- Senior leadership exposure within a growing and supportive organisation
This role would suit an ambitious finance leader looking to step into a commercially influential position with genuine long‑term career progression and the opportunity to shape the future of a successful UK business.
Head of Finance employer: Sharp Consultancy
As a leading player in the finance sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters professional growth and development. Our supportive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, providing you with the opportunity to influence business strategy while progressing towards a Finance Director role. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, we are committed to nurturing ambitious finance leaders who are eager to make a significant impact within our organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is golden when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies and recent developments. This way, you can showcase how your skills align with their goals, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in UK statutory reporting and financial operations can directly benefit the company. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel like a finance rockstar!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in UK statutory reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your commercial acumen and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our growth. Don't forget to mention your ambition for long-term leadership progression!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like improvements in financial processes or successful audits. We love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply 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 important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sharp Consultancy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial operations. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgeting, forecasting, and compliance in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers, but that you can leverage them for strategic decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership and influence. Prepare examples of how you've acted as a trusted business partner in the past. Think about times when you’ve guided senior leadership on pricing or commercial strategy, and be ready to share these stories to highlight your ability to drive business growth.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Before the interview, research the company’s goals and challenges. Be prepared to discuss how your financial insights can align with their strategic objectives. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s financial strategies, governance practices, and future plans. This not only demonstrates your interest but also gives you insight into whether this role aligns with your career aspirations.
