At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for 17 restaurants and support growth initiatives in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Sticks’n’Sushi, a vibrant restaurant group blending Danish design with Japanese dining.
- Benefits: 50% discount at all restaurants, wellbeing support, team events, and industry experiences.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team that values big smiles and small egos.
- Why this job: Step into a high-impact role and shape the UK finance agenda while enjoying a fun culture.
- Qualifications: Proven senior finance experience, recognised accounting qualification, and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Central London
At Sticks’n’Sushi we serve high-quality, fresh food based on a blend of classic and creative sushi alongside delicious sticks from the grill, bringing together Danish design, Japanese dining and generous hospitality. Our ‘Strange Fish’ help us create restaurants where everyone feels they belong.
We’re looking for a Head of Finance to join us on a maternity cover basis, someone who can step into a pivotal leadership role and partner the UK business at a critical moment in our growth. Following investment from McWin Capital Partners in February 2024 and with significant growth initiatives in progress across five countries, the Group CFO intends to empower this role to have ownership over the UK business.
Are you:
- A commercially minded finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growing business?
- Curious, proactive and confident stepping into ownership from day one?
- Able to balance rigour and control with creativity and forward-thinking insight?
- A people-first leader who builds strong relationships across teams, from restaurants to senior stakeholders?
- Someone who brings clarity, calm and positivity, even when operating at pace?
- Comfortable challenging, influencing and supporting others, with a big smile and a small ego?
What you’ll be doing at Sticks’n’Sushi:
- Being the key finance partner to the UK business, supporting 17 restaurants, 3 catering & delivery kitchens and growing estate
- Leading, coaching and developing our UK finance team, bringing out the best in your Fish
- Owning the integrity of reporting: monthly P&Ls, balance sheets and audit delivery
- After the recent implementation of a new payroll system, apply an enhanced level of review to ensure data integrity and process reliability
- Lead the UK audit process and Group consolidation for statutory accounts purposes
- Partnering closely with the Group CFO on FP&A, budgeting and strategic insight
- Bringing commercial thinking to life, using data to influence decisions across operations
- Own relationship with HMRC and tax advisers, review/submit VAT workings and help optimise CT strategy.
- Building strong relationships with Restaurant GMs, helping them understand and own their numbers
- Supporting growth initiatives, new openings and systems improvements across finance and F&B
- Acting as a trusted point of contact for key stakeholders, both internal and external
What you’ll bring to us:
- A proven track record in a senior finance role, ideally within a multi-site or hospitality environment
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong technical expertise with a sharp eye for detail and controls
- Commercial acumen, seeing beyond the numbers to what really drives performance
- The ability to work at pace, prioritise effectively and stay adaptable
- Confidence partnering stakeholders across all levels of the business
- A collaborative, humble approach that embodies our ‘Big Smiles, Small Egos’ culture
How we will support your journey with us:
We want you to grow with us, even in a fixed-term role. You’ll work closely with experienced leaders across the UK and Group, gaining exposure to a dynamic, international business with exciting growth plans. This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role, shape the UK finance agenda and contribute to something meaningful.
The benefits that go beyond the day to day:
- 50% discount across all our restaurants (yes, including drinks)
- Access to great restaurants, bars and hotels through CODE
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support through Hospitality Action
- Financial wellbeing support via Wagestream
- Team events, unforgettable parties & annual awards
- Opportunities to attend industry events and experiences
Ready to jump in? Then click ‘apply’. It takes no time at all. At Sticks’n’Sushi, we welcome everyone. We can’t wait to hear about the Strange Fish that you are—and if your spark lights ours, we’ll invite you in for a chat. If it feels right, we’ll dive straight in together. That’s us.
Head of Finance (UK) – Maternity Cover employer: Sticks n Sushi
At Sticks’n’Sushi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of Central London. As a Head of Finance, you will not only lead a talented team but also play a crucial role in shaping our growth strategy while enjoying unique benefits such as a 50% discount at our restaurants and access to industry events. We are committed to your professional development and well-being, ensuring that every 'Strange Fish' feels valued and empowered to thrive in our dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (UK) – Maternity Cover
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Sticks n Sushi.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Sticks n Sushi might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (UK) – Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Sticks n Sushi will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Sticks n Sushi. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Sticks n Sushi confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sticks n Sushi
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Sticks n Sushi.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Sticks n Sushi that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
