Head of Finance (Architecture / Design)
Head of Finance (Architecture / Design)

Head of Finance (Architecture / Design)

Temporary 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Crowd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance team and provide strategic financial insight to senior leadership.
  • Company: Renowned architecture and design studio with a strong focus on culture and employee wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, excellent work-life balance, and fantastic employee benefits.
  • Why this job: Join a creative environment and make a real impact in a leading design firm.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in finance, ideally in architecture/design, with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

A large, highly-sought-after architecture and design studio that is seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance to join their close-knit team on a 12-16 month maternity cover contract. Our client is a leading name in the industry known for their exceptional culture and benefits.

Reporting directly to the Board, you will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day running and strategic direction of the finance function, balancing hands-on oversight with commercial insight. Leading a small team, you will be instrumental in maintaining high standards while supporting their ongoing development, as well as providing financial counsel to the Board. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take ownership of a well-established finance function within a collaborative and design-led environment.

Our client has a focus on employee wellbeing and providing a social and welcoming working environment. The company offers incredible benefits, hybrid/flexible working, a solid work-life balance, and a strong moral compass.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, manage and develop the finance team, setting clear objectives and driving high performance
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic financial insight and supporting long-term planning
  • Oversee financial reporting, including monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
  • Monitor financial performance, identifying risks, opportunities and areas for improvement
  • Manage year-end processes and audits
  • Oversee international group accounting, including consolidation and coordination with overseas advisors
  • Lead payroll, pensions and partner remuneration processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance
  • Drive process improvements, systems development and financial efficiencies
  • Collaborate across the business to support strategic initiatives and operational objectives
Key Skills / Requirements
  • Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or similar
  • 8+ years’ experience in a finance role, ideally within architecture/design or a professional services environment
  • Proven track record in financial leadership, strategy, reporting and team management
  • Experience across group accounting, international entities and multi-jurisdictional compliance
  • Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate financial data into strategic insight
  • Advanced Excel and strong systems knowledge
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Proven experience in line managing a team and leading personal development of others
  • Discreet, detail-oriented and confident handling sensitive financial information

The Crowd is an equal opportunities employer and agency.

Head of Finance (Architecture / Design) employer: The Crowd

Join a leading architecture and design studio renowned for its exceptional culture and commitment to employee wellbeing. As the Head of Finance, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values work-life balance and offers incredible benefits, including hybrid working options. This role not only provides an opportunity for professional growth but also allows you to make a meaningful impact within a close-knit team dedicated to excellence in design.
The Crowd

Contact Detail:

The Crowd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Architecture / Design)

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the architecture and design industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in financial leadership and strategic insight. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so share specific examples of your past successes!

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework on the company and its culture. Understand their design philosophy and how finance plays a role in it. We suggest preparing questions that show your interest in their operations and how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our community!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Architecture / Design)

Financial Leadership
Strategic Financial Insight
Financial Reporting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Cashflow Management
Group Accounting
International Compliance
Team Management
Advanced Excel
Stakeholder Management
Process Improvement
Systems Development
Attention to Detail
Proactive Organisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial leadership and team management experience, as well as any relevant work in architecture or design. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share specific examples of your strategic insights and how you've driven financial performance in previous roles. Let us know what excites you about working with us!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. In your application, be clear and concise, and make sure to convey your ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures that your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to explore more about our company culture and values!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Crowd

✨Know Your Numbers

Before the interview, brush up on key financial metrics and reports relevant to the architecture and design industry. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used financial data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

As a Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed and developed a finance team. Highlight your approach to setting objectives and driving performance during the interview.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research the studio's culture and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding employee wellbeing and collaboration. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a good cultural fit.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you've handled financial challenges or improved processes in the past, particularly in a fast-paced environment like architecture or design.

Head of Finance (Architecture / Design)
The Crowd

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