At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage month-end close, and provide strategic insights to founders.
- Company: Dynamic investment platform in the recruitment sector with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Ownership of finance function, direct exposure to leadership, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and influence key financial decisions while driving growth.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong operational and stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for M&A exposure as the portfolio expands.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: High Wycombe
About the Opportunity
My client is a founder led investment and operational platform within the recruitment sector, partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs to build and scale high-performing businesses. The group provides capital backing alongside strategic and operational support, enabling founder-led businesses to scale efficiently and ultimately work towards long-term value creation through growth and potential exit events.
The Role
This is a hands-on Head of Finance opportunity for a commercially minded, fully qualified accountant who wants ownership of a finance function across a multi-entity portfolio. You will work closely with founders and senior stakeholders across the group, reporting directly into the COO, and play a key role in building out a scalable, best-in-class finance function. This is not a purely strategic role - it is highly operational and detail-focused, suited to someone who enjoys being close to the numbers while also influencing at leadership level. There is a clear progression into a more strategic, investment and M&A-focused remit as the group scales.
Key Responsibilities
- Month-End & Financial Reporting
- Own and deliver the month-end close across multiple entities
- Produce accurate and timely management accounts
- Prepare high-quality Board packs with meaningful financial insight
- Present financial performance to founders and directors
- Ensure strong financial control, accuracy, and reconciliations
- Finance Operations & Control
- Oversee invoicing, credit control, and cash collection
- Manage supplier payments, expenses, payroll coordination, and bank reconciliations
- Oversee cash flow and working capital across the portfolio
- Maintain and improve financial controls and processes
- Leadership & Function Build
- Manage and develop a Finance Executive
- Build and scale the internal finance function
- Transition work in-house from external accountants over time
- Stakeholder Management & Reporting
- Act as a key finance partner to founders and leadership teams
- Deliver clear, commercial financial insight to support decision-making
- Attend and contribute to Board meetings across the portfolio
- Budgeting & Commercial Support
- Lead budgeting and forecasting across multiple entities
- Support strategic planning, hiring decisions, and growth initiatives
- Provide analysis to support commercial performance and decision-making
- External Advisors & Compliance
- Act as primary contact for external accountants
- Oversee statutory reporting (VAT, corporation tax, year-end accounts)
- Ensure compliance across all entities and deadlines are met
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Drive process improvement, automation, and scalability
- Enhance reporting capability across systems and Excel
- Standardise finance processes across portfolio businesses
- Future Exposure M&A
- As the portfolio expands, responsibilities will evolve to include:
- Support on M&A activity across portfolio companies
- Financial due diligence and transaction support
- Preparing businesses for exit
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Strong experience in month-end close and management accounts
- Confident producing Board-level reporting
- Hands-on, detail-oriented, and operationally strong
- Strong stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
- Exposure to VC/PE-backed, start-up, or scale-up environments
Why This Role
- Ownership of a full finance function across a growing portfolio
- Direct exposure to founders and senior leadership teams
- Senior Leadership Team-level position with real influence
- Entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment
- Clear progression into strategic finance and M&A exposure
Head of Finance in High Wycombe employer: SW6 Associates Limited
Contact Detail:
SW6 Associates Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with VC/PE-backed companies. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Head of Finance role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've handled month-end closes and produced Board-level reports in the past. We want to see you shine with your operational strength!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities! Think about examples where you've managed teams or improved processes. This is key for a role that involves building and scaling a finance function across multiple entities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your experience in month-end close and management accounts, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Mention your operational strengths and how you can contribute to building a scalable finance function.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience working with founders and senior stakeholders. We want to see how you've influenced decision-making at a leadership level, so share specific examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at SW6 Associates Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on your month-end close processes and management accounts. Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial reporting in the past and how you ensure accuracy and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a finance team and working closely with founders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your experience in building finance functions and transitioning work in-house from external accountants.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the recruitment sector and the challenges it faces. Be prepared to discuss how you can provide commercial insights that support decision-making. Showing that you understand the industry will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be acting as a key finance partner to founders and senior leadership teams. Think about how you've effectively communicated financial performance in the past. Practice presenting complex financial information in a clear and concise manner, as this will be crucial during your interview.