At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance and financial planning for a dynamic consulting business.
- Company: Join a private equity-backed consulting firm focused on transformation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Be part of a rebuilding journey with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a high-impact leadership role with growth potential.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in commercial finance and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Head of Commercial Financial Planning & Control
Benefits include 25 days holiday, 6% employer pension contribution, private medical insurance, life assurance, employee assistance programme and additional wellbeing benefits.
Company
Stanton House is partnering with a private equity-backed international consulting business to appoint a senior commercial finance leader into its UK operation.
The organisation delivers large-scale transformation, technology, digital and advisory services across both public and private sector clients.
Following a period of restructuring, leadership change and operational reset, the UK business has returned to profitability and is entering the next phase of growth.
This is a business that is rebuilding, not maintaining.
Significant investment is being made in commercial performance, forecasting accuracy, operational controls and management information to support future expansion.
Role
Reporting directly to the UK CFO, this is the number two finance position within the UK business.
The successful candidate will lead a medium-sized finance team and take ownership of commercial finance, financial planning, forecasting, project profitability and financial performance across a consulting operation generating more than £20m in revenue.
This is a highly visible leadership role that combines commercial finance leadership with operational finance responsibility.
It requires someone capable of influencing senior stakeholders while remaining hands‑on in improving reporting, controls, forecasting processes and management information.
The position offers a genuine opportunity to shape the future finance function and build the foundations for future progression into a Director‑level role.
Responsibilities
- Act as the lead commercial finance partner to the UK CFO and senior leadership team.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes across the business.
- Improve forecasting accuracy, revenue visibility and commercial decision‑making.
- Provide insight into project profitability, utilisation, resource deployment and margin performance.
- Strengthen management information, reporting capability and financial controls.
- Build and enhance commercial reporting processes and reporting infrastructure.
- Lead operational finance activities across a project‑based consulting environment.
- Challenge and support senior stakeholders on financial performance and business decisions.
- Oversee revenue recognition, project accounting and engagement profitability analysis.
- Manage and develop a medium‑sized finance team.
- Drive process improvement, automation opportunities and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Support the business through its ongoing transformation and growth programme.
- Partner with the wider international finance organisation to improve consistency and reporting standards.
Requirements
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Commercial finance, FP&A or finance leadership experience within consulting, professional services, technology services or project‑based environments.
- Strong forecasting, budgeting and financial planning experience.
- Experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge commercial decision‑making.
- Strong understanding of project profitability, utilisation and revenue drivers.
- Track record of improving processes, controls and management reporting.
- Comfortable operating in a hands‑on environment where finance processes are still developing.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.
- Strong communication and business partnering skills.
- Desired
- ACA qualification and audit training background.
- Experience within a £20m-£150m professional services or consulting business.
- Exposure to private equity‑backed environments.
- Experience supporting business turnaround, restructuring or transformation programmes.
- Knowledge of project accounting, resource planning and consulting business economics.
- Experience building finance processes and reporting frameworks from the ground up.
- Ambition to progress into a future Finance Director or Director‑level role.
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Head of Finance - Commercial & Control in London employer: Stanton House
Stanton House is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your analytical skills will directly contribute to impactful business decisions. Located in vibrant West London, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your insights and empowers you to make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Commercial & Control in London
✨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.
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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
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Commercial & Control in London
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 Stanton House.
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 Stanton House'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 Stanton House
✨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 Stanton House.
✨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 Stanton House 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 Stanton House 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.
