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- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring accuracy and compliance while managing payroll and reporting.
- Company: Stable UK SME with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and opportunity for real impact.
- Why this job: Own the finance function in a trusted partnership with the Managing Director.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with hands-on finance experience.
- Other info: Join a small team with a focus on work-life balance and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Full Qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) hands-on, operationally focused Head of Finance / Finance Director to take full ownership of the day-to-day financial management of a growing and stable UK SME. This is a true No.1 finance role, reporting directly to the Managing Director and leading a small finance team of two (this role plus an Assistant Accountant). The emphasis of the position is on financial control, compliance, reporting and accuracy, with strategic and commercial input forming a secondary, but important part of the role.
This opportunity will suit someone who is comfortable being close to the detail, does not require hand-holding, and enjoys owning everything from posting journals and managing payroll through to producing robust management information for decision-making.
The Role:
- You will have end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, ensuring that the fundamentals are delivered consistently, accurately and on time.
- Payroll is a non-negotiable requirement. Alongside the Managing Director, you will be one of only two people responsible for payroll, so hands-on payroll experience is essential.
- This is a deliberately hands-on role, where day-to-day financial management, controls and compliance come first.
Key responsibilities include:
- Full ownership of the UK finance function, operating within a small team of two
- Day-to-day financial management, including journals, reconciliations and month-end close
- Hands-on responsibility for payroll (essential requirement)
- Ensuring strong financial controls, compliance and statutory reporting
- Producing accurate and timely monthly management accounts
- Managing cash flow, working capital and credit control
- Ownership of VAT (UK & Ireland), pensions, insurance and statutory submissions
- Managing the annual audit and relationships with auditors, banks and advisors
- Producing regular sales, stock and operational reporting, including weekly reporting where required
- Budgeting and forecasting to support planning and control
- Providing clear, reliable financial information to support the Managing Director's decision-making
- Driving incremental improvements in processes, reporting and controls
- Strategic, commercial and analytical support, including scenario analysis and business planning will naturally follow from having robust, right-first-time financial data.
Systems:
- Experience working with Financial ERP systems, developing reporting capabilities and automation
- Sage experience would be advantageous, but not essential
- Interest in continually improving systems, reporting and processes over time
Team & Culture:
- Small, supportive and collaborative environment
- Office-based role with a strong preference for being present and engaged
- Culture of trust, autonomy and accountability
- Clear respect for work-life balance, no expectation of working outside normal hours
- MD is hands-off and non-micromanaging, relying on accurate data to run the business
- This role will form a key member of the Senior Leadership team alongside the Managing Director, Sales Director and Marketing Director.
About You:
- You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with experience operating as the senior or No.1 finance professional within an SME or similarly hands-on environment.
- You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience owning the day-to-day finance function end to end
- Strong technical accounting and statutory reporting capability
- Hands-on delivery of management accounts, budgeting and forecasting
- Payroll experience (essential)
- Solid cash flow, working capital and credit control experience
- A practical, detail-oriented and dependable working style
- Confidence operating autonomously and partnering with a Managing Director
- A collaborative approach suited to a small team environment
- Experience within consumer goods, retail, wholesale or B2C environments (advantageous but not essential)
- An interest in systems and continuous improvement
- Ideally available on a notice period of no more than three months, with one month strongly preferred
Why Join?:
- Genuine No.1 finance role with full ownership and accountability
- Hands-on position with real responsibility and visibility
- Stable, profitable business with strong financial fundamentals
- Trusted working relationship with the Managing Director
- Small, supportive team and down-to-earth culture
- Long-term opportunity within a growing business
Head of Finance / Finance Director No.1 Finance Role - SME in Royston employer: Vitae Financial Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Vitae Financial Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance / Finance Director No.1 Finance Role - SME in Royston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities in SMEs. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the specific financial challenges SMEs face. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher but someone who can drive strategic decisions too!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance / Finance Director No.1 Finance Role - SME in Royston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in financial management, especially with payroll and day-to-day operations. We want to see that you’re comfortable getting into the nitty-gritty of finance!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make your skills and experiences easy to understand.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your experience aligns with our needs for this No.1 finance role. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitae Financial Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed payroll, cash flow, and compliance in previous roles. Show them you can handle the detail while keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being operationally focused. Be prepared to share specific examples of when you’ve taken ownership of the finance function, from posting journals to producing management accounts. Highlight your hands-on approach and how it has benefited your previous employers.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working closely with a small team, it's crucial to convey your collaborative spirit. Share instances where you’ve successfully partnered with others, especially in a senior role. This will show that you can thrive in a supportive environment and contribute positively to the team culture.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
While the focus is on day-to-day operations, strategic input is also important. Be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to provide valuable insights to the Managing Director and support decision-making.
