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- Tasks: Lead financial oversight for exciting projects in a dynamic events agency.
- Company: Join a growing international events agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial success in innovative event experiences.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in project finance and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Full-Time Perm Role: Head of Commercial Finance
Sector: Event Services
Location: Southwark London or Hertfordshire Office
Hybrid: 3 days in the office, 2 days WFH
Reports to: Finance Director
Ref: VFR3268
VisionFR is working with a growing international events agency to find a Head of Commercial Finance. You will be responsible for the smooth running of all the agency's financial projects, providing commercial, governance and insight across the lifecycle of the projects.
Responsibilities of the Head of Commercial Finance:
- Take ownership of financial oversight across a portfolio of projects and live experiences
- Establish, review and sign off budgets, cost trackers and margin expectations
- Track financial performance throughout delivery, flagging risks and opportunities early
- Ensure accurate cost capture, accruals and work-in-progress (WIP) across all activity
- Collaborate closely with commercial, delivery and client-facing teams on pricing and proposals
- Review project scopes to confirm commercial soundness and margin protection
- Proactively challenge assumptions, costs and approaches to improve profitability
- Support the financial elements of contracts, including deposits and payment schedules
- Prepare project-level forecasts, revenue recognition and margin analysis
- Deliver clear, actionable reporting on profitability, variances and financial risk
- Lead post-delivery financial reviews, capturing insights and lessons learned
- Provide meaningful financial insight to senior stakeholders on overall performance
- Ensure appropriate billing structures, milestones and cash collection processes
- Work alongside finance and delivery teams to manage supplier commitments and spend
- Identify cash exposure across the forward project pipeline
- Support accurate cash flow forecasting aligned to delivery timelines
- Design, implement and maintain robust project finance controls and approvals
- Promote consistent use of project accounting systems, tools and templates
- Drive continuous improvement in job costing, WIP and margin reporting processes
- Ensure compliance with relevant VAT treatment and revenue recognition standards
- Lead, mentor and develop a specialist project finance team
- Act as a trusted commercial partner to delivery, operations and leadership teams
- Help bridge the gap between finance and project delivery
- Support the Finance Director with both strategic insight and day-to-day operational input
Key Requirements for Head of Commercial Finance:
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA)
- Proven track record in senior project finance, commercial finance or programme-level accounting roles
- Paprika would be a bonus
- Experience operating in complex, delivery-led or project-based environments
- Deep understanding of job costing, margin optimisation and work-in-progress at scale
- Advanced financial modelling and data analysis capability, with strong systems literacy
- Commercially astute, able to balance risk, opportunity and delivery pressures
- Confident influencing and constructively challenging senior non-finance stakeholders
- Highly organised, comfortable leading multiple workstreams and priorities
- Pragmatic, resilient and solutions-focused in fast-moving environments
- Strong leadership presence with experience building, mentoring and developing teams
- Excellent communicator, able to translate complex financial information into clear strategic insight
- Experience overseeing large, complex/multi-location projects
- Strong awareness of indirect tax, revenue recognition and multi-currency considerations
VisionFR is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, inclusion and eliminating unlawful discrimination within our workforce and whilst fulfilling our Clients recruitment needs.
Due to the high level of applications being received if you do not hear from us within 5 working days, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion, usually due to other candidates having more relevant sector exposure, qualifications or required skills. We thank you for your interest.
Head of Commercial Finance employer: VisionFR Limited
Contact Detail:
VisionFR Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the event services sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Commercial Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling and data analysis skills. Be ready to showcase how you've optimised margins and managed project finances in past roles. We want to see that you can translate complex financial info into actionable insights!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get that interview, don’t just talk about your experience—bring examples! Share specific instances where you’ve successfully overseen large projects or improved profitability. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Commercial Finance role. Highlight your experience in project finance and any relevant qualifications like CIMA or ACCA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in financial oversight and project management that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully mentored others in your previous roles. We love seeing strong leaders who can inspire their teams!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at VisionFR Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Commercial Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as job costing and margin optimisation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and tracked financial performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading and mentoring a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed others in your past positions. Highlight your experience in building strong teams and fostering collaboration between finance and project delivery teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex, delivery-led environments. Think of specific scenarios where you had to challenge assumptions or improve profitability. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the events agency and understand their projects and financial goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.