At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and shape business strategy for a growing manufacturer.
- Company: Dynamic UK manufacturer in the fire safety sector with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and collaborative leadership team.
- Other info: Join a supportive team where your ideas will influence decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth and development while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with experience in a growing SME.
Location: Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 per annum + Car Allowance + Performance Bonus
Help Shape the Future of a Growing UK Manufacturer
Our client is a leading UK manufacturer operating within the fire safety sector, delivering innovative, life-saving solutions to some of the country's most prestigious residential and commercial developments. With ambitious growth plans, a strong reputation for quality and an entrepreneurial culture, the business is entering an exciting new phase of its journey.
They are now looking for a commercially minded Head of Finance to join the Senior Leadership Team. This isn’t a role for someone looking to simply oversee month-end and keep the wheels turning. Our client is seeking someone who wants to become an integral part of the leadership team, helping to shape the future direction of the business and build a finance function that supports sustainable, profitable growth.
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to join a successful, privately owned SME at a pivotal point in its growth. Working closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team, you’ll provide commercial insight, challenge decision making, improve financial visibility and help steer the business through its next stage of organic growth. This role would suit someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves when needed but is equally comfortable sitting around the board table discussing strategy, investment opportunities and long-term business performance.
As Head of Finance, you’ll have the opportunity to leave your mark by developing systems, improving reporting, strengthening controls and ensuring the finance function evolves alongside the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading month-end reporting and production of insightful management accounts
- Delivering meaningful commercial analysis to support strategic decision making
- Owning budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning
- Managing cash flow, banking relationships and financial risk
- Partnering with Operations, Sales, Innovation and Marketing to improve profitability and performance
- Developing financial reporting, KPIs and business intelligence
- Leading and developing the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable team
- Supporting investment decisions and helping guide the company’s continued growth
- Acting as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and Shareholders
Requirements
We’re looking for someone who has already experienced the pace, variety and opportunity that comes with working in a growing SME. You’ll likely have:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or be nearing completion)
- Experience in a growing SME, owner-managed or entrepreneurial business
- A hands-on approach with the ability to switch effortlessly between operational detail and strategic thinking
- Strong commercial acumen and the confidence to challenge, influence and support senior stakeholders
- Excellent management accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience
- Advanced Excel skills and strong ERP systems knowledge
- Power BI experience
- Experience within manufacturing, engineering or construction would be advantageous
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys building, improving and growing a business—not simply maintaining one.
Benefits
This is an opportunity to become a genuine business partner rather than simply the Head of Finance. You’ll be joining a collaborative leadership team where your ideas will be valued, your expertise will influence decision making, and you’ll have the chance to help shape the future of an ambitious and growing UK manufacturer.
If you’re excited by the prospect of growing with a business, making a tangible impact and helping drive long-term success, we’d love to hear from you.
Package
- £80,000 - £90,000 per annum
- Car allowance
- Performance-related bonus
- Senior Leadership Team position
- Opportunity to influence business strategy and growth
- Based in Cranleigh, Surrey
If you’re looking for a role where you can help shape a growing business while developing your own career alongside it, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity.
Head of Finance in Cranleigh employer: Universal Business Team
Join a dynamic and innovative UK manufacturer in the fire safety sector, where your contributions as Head of Finance will directly influence the company's growth trajectory. With a collaborative leadership culture, competitive salary, and performance bonuses, this role offers not just a job but a chance to be a pivotal part of a thriving SME in Cranleigh, Surrey, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Cranleigh
✨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 Universal Business Team. 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 Cranleigh
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 Universal Business Team.
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 Universal Business Team'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 Universal Business Team
✨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 Universal Business Team.
✨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 Universal Business Team 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 Universal Business Team 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.
