Head of Finance

Delivery Consultant – Beauty, Wellness & Private Equity

Head of Finance

Office-based: East London

Monday–Thursday: 9:00–5:00 (In Office)

Friday: 9:00–4:00 (WFH)

Competitive salary, dependent on experience (£80-90k)

We are currently recruiting for a fast-growing beauty brand based in Greater London. They are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Finance to take full ownership of the finance function and support the business through its next phase of growth.

They are a rapidly expanding beauty brand with a growing international footprint and an evolving product portfolio. The business operates across multiple markets and partners with leading retailers globally.

Founder-led and values-driven, the company places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, sustainability and integrity, while reinvesting success into positive social impact. Following continued year‑on‑year growth, they are now looking to strengthen their senior leadership team with the appointment of a Head of Finance.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Founders, the Head of Finance will assume full responsibility for the day‑to‑day operations of the finance department. This is a hands‑on leadership role, combining operational finance delivery with strategic insight to support sustainable and profitable growth across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead month‑end and year‑end close processes, producing accurate management accounts with insightful commentary for senior stakeholders
• Own and analyse gross margin performance, identifying opportunities to improve profitability
• Maintain full ownership of the balance sheet, understanding and managing key cost drivers
• Oversee credit control and working capital management to ensure strong cash flow discipline
• Manage and enhance accounting systems, processes and system changes
• Support senior leadership with budgeting, forecasting and weekly cash planning
• Lead the year‑end accounts process and annual audit, liaising with external auditors
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely and accurate processing
• Partner with operational and commercial teams to support cost control and margin improvement initiatives
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
• Perform bank reconciliations and manage weekly cash flow forecasting
• Manage banking facilities and maintain relationships with financial institutions
• Work with budget owners to review performance and drive financial accountability
• Produce business reporting, including product and channel profitability analysis
• Support ad‑hoc projects such as new product development and cost‑saving initiatives
• Collaborate with merchandising and commercial teams to ensure accurate stock management and sales forecasting
• Manage finance‑related HR responsibilities, including payroll providers and onboarding processes

Requirements

Technical Skills / Knowledge

• Professionally qualified accountant (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, ACA)
• Experience supporting cross‑functional initiatives that impact commercial performance
• Strong Excel capability and high systems literacy
• Proven ability to operate in cash‑sensitive environments with tight working capital controls
• Experience within a product‑based business
• Strong knowledge of accounting systems and system implementations
• Understanding of banking facilities and lender relationships (desirable)
• Ability to act as Finance lead and ERP super user

Personal Skills

• Proactive, hands‑on and comfortable taking ownership of the full finance function
• Highly detail‑oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and efficiency
• Confident communicator with discretion when handling sensitive information
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities
• Effective project management skills with the ability to manage stakeholders and deliver outcomes

If you are a commercially minded finance leader seeking a confidential opportunity within a growing beauty brand, we would welcome your application.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Finance
• Industries: Personal Care Product Manufacturing and Financial Services