At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategies, oversee forecasts, and drive business growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning underwriting business with ambitious growth plans and a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work arrangement and competitive pay based on your skills and experience.
- Why this job: Shape key decisions, mentor a finance team, and influence strategic direction in a fast-growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with insurance or regulated industry experience; strong leadership and strategic planning skills required.
- Other info: This role offers the chance to engage in M&A activities and support long-term business goals.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Our client, an award-winning underwriting business, is seeking a Head of Finance to lead its finance function, drive business strategy, and support ambitious growth plans. Reporting directly to the Managing Director (MD) and Group stakeholders, this role offers an exciting opportunity to influence key decision-making within a dynamic and fast-growing organisation. Working closely with the MD, you will help shape and implement a three-year rolling growth plan while providing financial analysis, operational support, and strategic insight.
Role Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Partner with the CEO and senior stakeholders to shape and execute financial strategies.
- Performance & Commercial Insights: Develop key KPIs, identify business opportunities, and provide financial and commercial leadership to drive growth.
- Financial Planning & Analysis: Oversee the development of short-term and long-term forecasts, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Business Growth: Lead and participate in expansion activities, acquisitions, and new initiatives to support long-term goals.
- Financial Control & Compliance: Maintain robust financial controls, working closely with Group finance teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting standards.
- Leadership & Team Development: Mentor and develop the finance team, ensuring the function evolves to meet the needs of both the business and the wider Group.
- Financial Reporting & Oversight: Provide strategic input to group to support statutory reporting, cash flow management, forecasting, tax matters, and internal controls.
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Play a key role in potential M&A activities, ensuring smooth integration and value creation.
Skills / Experience:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a strong post-qualification track record.
- Insurance industry experience preferred. Candidates from other regulated industries (e.g., financial services, banking) will also be considered.
- Proven ability to lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Strong strategic financial planning and commercial acumen within a growth-focused business.
- Expertise in financial controls, reconciliation principles, and risk management.
- Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience in M&A, business expansion, and financial integration.
- A dynamic, proactive, and hands-on approach to leadership.
If you are passionate about this opportunity and meet the qualifications and skills outlined, we encourage you to promptly submit your CV for consideration. Please note that the duties mentioned above are not exhaustive, and the role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changing circumstances and requirements.
Head of Finance employer: Sure Exec Search
Contact Detail:
Sure Exec Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the insurance and regulated industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's recent growth initiatives and financial strategies. Being well-informed about their current projects will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed finance teams in the past. Highlight specific examples of mentoring or guiding team members to achieve their goals, as this is crucial for the Head of Finance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial controls and compliance within the insurance sector. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also proactive in staying updated.
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 qualifications as a qualified accountant and showcases your experience in the insurance or regulated industries. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant achievements in financial planning and analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities of the Head of Finance role. Discuss how your strategic financial planning experience aligns with the company's growth plans and how you can contribute to their success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your expertise in financial controls, risk management, and M&A activities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead a high-performing finance team and influence senior stakeholders.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a senior finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sure Exec Search
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to shape and execute financial strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior stakeholders in the past to drive business growth and align financial planning with organisational objectives.
✨Highlight Your Industry Experience
Given the preference for candidates with insurance or regulated industry experience, be ready to discuss your relevant background. Share specific instances where your expertise has led to successful outcomes in similar environments, showcasing your understanding of industry-specific challenges.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you develop high-performing teams. Think of examples where you've mentored finance professionals, fostered collaboration, and driven team success, as this role will require strong leadership skills.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial controls, compliance, and risk management. Bring examples of how you've implemented robust financial processes and contributed to M&A activities, as these are crucial aspects of the role.