At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting, ensuring robust processes and insightful analysis.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on growth and innovation in finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Join a hands-on role with potential to evolve into Finance Director.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy and operations in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in project-based environments and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About The Role
The Head of Finance will take ownership of financial control and reporting across the business, including the consolidation of UK and European operations.
The role will bring greater consistency and visibility to financial performance, ensuring robust reporting and control across the business.
A key focus will be on margin analysis and cost discipline across laboratory and field service delivery, alongside maintaining the integrity of revenue recognition for project-based and milestone billing.
The role will also lead cash flow forecasting and working capital optimisation.
The Head of Finance will oversee the transition from outsourced bookkeeping to a controlled in-house model, establishing the systems, processes and controls required to support the next stage of growth.
This is a hands‑on role requiring strong technical capability, commercial judgement and the ability to operate effectively across both the detail and the wider business.
Key Responsibilities
- FINANCIAL CONTROL & GOVERNANCE
- Own monthly management accounts across group entities.
- Establish robust consolidation processes (multi‑currency where relevant).
- Ensure appropriate revenue recognition policies (project‑based, stage‑of‑completion, milestone or delivery‑based as applicable).
- Strengthen internal controls, particularly across international operations.
- Oversee statutory accounts and audit processes.
- Manage tax compliance across UK and Europe (with external advisors).
- FP&A & COMMERCIAL INSIGHT
- Develop forward‑looking budgets and rolling forecasts.
- Introduce project‑level profitability analysis (by service line, geography, customer type).
- Analyse laboratory utilisation, field team productivity and margin by contract type.
- Provide insight into pricing strategy and cost‑to‑serve dynamics.
- Support capital investment decisions (e. g. lab equipment, accreditations, technology systems).
- WORKING CAPITAL & CASH MANAGEMENT
- Improve billing discipline and debtor management.
- Manage milestone invoicing and contract cash profiles.
- Enhance cash forecasting and liquidity planning.
- SYSTEMS & PROCESSES
- Assess current finance systems and introduce scalable reporting capability.
- Gradually insource bookkeeping currently handled externally in Europe.
- Standardise chart of accounts and reporting across subsidiaries.
- STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
- Act as finance partner to operational leaders (lab, field operations, commercial).
- Work closely with Executive Chair and King Group on performance reporting.
- Prepare board‑quality financial packs with KPI dashboards.
- Candidate Requirements
Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience within services‑led, project‑based or testing / certification / technical consultancy environments.
- Multi‑entity or international reporting exposure preferred.
- Experience in revenue recognition under project or milestone billing models.
- Comfortable operating in a scaling SME or investor‑backed environment.
- Experience transitioning from outsourced to in‑house finance models desirable.
- Capabilities
- Strong FP&A and commercial analysis capability.
- Detail‑oriented with high standards of control and governance.
- Systems‑aware and process improvement focused.
- Able to operate both strategically and operationally.
- Personal Attributes
- Hands‑on, technically proficient and pragmatic.
- Credible with technically strong operational leaders.
- Comfortable in a growth and change environment.
- Ambitious and capable of evolving into Finance Director over time.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Finance in Livingston employer: UK Agri-Tech Centre
The Highland Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy in one of Scotland's largest local authorities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on sustainable community development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Highlands while enjoying benefits such as relocation assistance and generous annual leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact in a region undergoing significant economic transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Livingston
✨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.
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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
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Livingston
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 UK Agri-Tech Centre.
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at UK Agri-Tech Centre
✨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 UK Agri-Tech Centre.
✨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 UK Agri-Tech Centre 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 UK Agri-Tech Centre 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.
