At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, manage budgets, and provide strategic insights.
- Company: Dynamic SME group with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000 plus benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance and influence business decisions directly with the CEO.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong SME experience and leadership skills.
Location: Lincoln
Salary: Up to £85,000 + benefits
The Role
We’re working with a successful and growing SME group looking to appoint a Head of Finance / Financial Controller. Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll take ownership of the finance function across multiple companies, working closely with the senior leadership team and Board. This is a broad, hands-on role with genuine influence across the business, combining strong financial control with commercial insight and the opportunity to develop the finance function.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and develop the finance team across multiple group companies.
- Oversee management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and Board reporting.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, banking relationships and funding requirements.
- Oversee audit, statutory accounts, tax and compliance.
- Work closely with operational teams to improve profitability, costs and performance.
- Evaluate new business opportunities and support strategic decision making.
- Improve finance systems, processes and reporting.
- Provide commercial insight and challenge to the CEO and wider leadership team.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong SME experience and a commercial approach. You’ll ideally bring:
- Experience at Head of Finance, Financial Controller or equivalent level.
- Strong management accounting and financial control experience.
- Experience across multiple companies or a group structure.
- Experience managing and developing a finance team.
- Strong cash flow, budgeting and forecasting capability.
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and operational teams.
- Experience improving finance processes, systems and reporting.
Why Consider It?
A genuine opportunity to take ownership of a finance function, work closely with the CEO and influence the wider business. You’ll have the autonomy to make improvements, develop the team and support the next stage of growth.
Head of Finance employer: THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED
Join a dynamic engineering business in Bedford that values your growth and offers a clear pathway from recruitment to broader HR roles. With a supportive work culture, you'll enjoy 26 days of holiday, a matched pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a share incentive plan, all while taking ownership of the recruitment function and collaborating with experienced professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career while enjoying a rewarding work environment.
Contact Details:
THE COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED. 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
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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED.
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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED'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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED
✨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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED.
✨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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED 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 COLLECTIVE NETWORK LIMITED 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.
