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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a high-growth recruitment firm.
- Company: Join a tech-enabled recruitment group expanding globally in cybersecurity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and potential bonuses or equity.
- Why this job: Shape the finance function while driving international growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with experience in fast-paced, international settings.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression to Finance Director as the company scales.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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Head of Finance (High‑Growth, International Recruitment Firm)
Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid/flexible working)
Reports To: Managing Director / CEO
About the Organisation
An ambitious, tech-enabled recruitment group specializing in executive search within cybersecurity and related sectors. Based in Manchester with global reach (including expanding into North America and EMEA/APJ), the firm is experiencing rapid growth and international expansion plans.
Role Overview
Seeking a hands-on, strategic finance leader to build and scale a robust finance function. This core role will support international expansion, drive financial strategy, and ensure operational financial excellence across global markets. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) comfortable with both big-picture financial planning and detailed execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning, and cash flow management aligned with high-growth and international expansion objectives.
- Provide insightful financial analytics, models, and reports to guide the leadership team’s strategic decisions.
- Operational & Hands‑On Execution
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations: transactional processing, month-end close, P&L reporting, and governance. Refine and implement scalable accounting processes and controls
- Ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., EMEA, APJ, US) and manage relationships with external advisors (audit, tax, banking)
- International Expansion Support
- Establish financial systems, processes, and controls for new international markets.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Talent, Leadership) to embed financial best practices into expansion plans.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team. Instill best practices, encourage innovation, and drive ownership for financial excellence
Preferred Qualifications & Profile
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Proven experience in fast-paced, high-growth, or scale‑up environments—preferred exposure to recruitment, professional services, or PE/VC‑backed businesses
- Demonstrated track record of building finance functions from the ground up, ideally in environments with international operations.
- Skilled at balancing strategic planning with operational execution—comfortable “rolling up sleeves.”
- Strong communication and stakeholder management—able to influence non-finance leadership with clarity.
- Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel; experience implementing scalable reporting tools or ERPs is valued.
What’s On Offer
- A pivotal leadership role within an entrepreneurial, high-trust environment—with real autonomy, ownership, and visibility.
- The opportunity to shape and scale the finance function alongside rapid international growth.
- Career progression potential toward Finance Director as the organisation scales further.
- Competitive salary (reflective of London/Manchester scale for high-growth roles), potentially supplemented by bonus or equity packages.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Finance
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Industries
Executive Search Services
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Head of Finance employer: Sowena Group
Contact Detail:
Sowena Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements in the EMEA and APJ regions. This knowledge will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your readiness to manage international operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the recruitment and finance sectors, especially those who have experience in high-growth environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to implement scalable financial systems by discussing any relevant projects or experiences during interviews. Highlighting your hands-on approach and strategic mindset will resonate well with the leadership team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully built and led finance teams in the past. Emphasising your leadership style and how you foster a culture of financial excellence will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this pivotal role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial strategy and leadership, especially in high-growth environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build finance functions and manage international operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your qualifications as a fully qualified accountant align with their needs, and mention your experience in recruitment or professional services.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel. Mention any experience you have with scalable reporting tools or ERPs, as these are valuable for the role.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves building and mentoring a finance team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've instilled best practices and driven ownership for financial excellence in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Before your interview, take time to research the recruitment firm’s mission and recent developments. Understanding their international expansion plans and how finance plays a role will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led financial strategy in previous roles, particularly in high-growth environments or during international expansions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your technical knowledge in budgeting, forecasting, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented scalable financial processes in past positions.
✨Highlight Leadership and Team Building Skills
The role requires building and mentoring a finance team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style, how you foster innovation, and any specific examples of how you’ve developed high-performing teams in your career.
