Head of Finance (UK) - Maternity Cover

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 16 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.
• Ensure appropriate controls and checks are embedded in the payroll process.
• 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.