At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage a team, and drive business performance insights.
- Company: Privately owned business in Hertfordshire with a hands-on culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and direct influence on business decisions.
- Other info: Office-based role with opportunities for process improvement and automation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial strategy and make impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with SME experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
I’m recruiting a Head of Finance for a privately owned business in Hertfordshire. You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day finances across a group of businesses, manage a small team and work directly with the owners, with support from a part-time CFO. What I like about this role is how close you’ll be to the decisions. You’ll be the person the owners turn to when they want to understand why margins have moved, what cash looks like over the next few months or how a particular part of the business is performing. It’s a hands-on role with room to take on more as the business grows.
What you’ll be doing:
- Owning month-end and producing management accounts and board reports that explain what’s driving performance.
- Overseeing reporting across several entities, including intercompany balances and consolidation.
- Leading the annual budget and reforecasts, managing cash flow and working capital, and reviewing margins by business area and project.
- Taking responsibility for year-end and working with external accountants and advisers on audit, tax and compliance.
- Managing and developing the finance team, keeping controls and reconciliations in good shape and getting into the detail where needed.
- Improving how the team works. If a report takes half a day to pull together every month, you’ll have the scope to find a better way of doing it.
What I’m looking for:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with solid experience in an SME or owner-managed business.
- Hands-on experience producing management accounts, owning cash flow forecasts and leading budgets.
- Experience managing or supervising people, with an interest in developing a small team.
- The ability to explain what’s happening in the numbers to owners and managers in plain English.
- Strong Excel skills, confidence with cloud accounting systems and practical examples of using automation and AI to improve finance processes.
- Experience reporting across more than one entity would be helpful.
The role is based in the office five days a week. If it sounds like the sort of role you’d enjoy, apply with your CV and I’ll talk you through the business, the location and what the owners are looking for.
Head Of Finance in Hertford employer: The CFO HQ
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises strategic financial leadership and offers a collaborative work culture focused on community impact. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to long-term sustainability, and the chance to influence significant projects within the Neighbourhoods & Regeneration and Finance & Resources directorates. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that values technical excellence and commercial acumen in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Finance in Hertford
✨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.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The CFO HQ. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Finance in Hertford
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 The CFO HQ.
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 The CFO HQ'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 The CFO HQ
✨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 The CFO HQ.
✨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 The CFO HQ 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 The CFO HQ 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.
