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- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial control and accurate reporting.
- Company: Stable, profitable SME with a strong market position near Royston.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and meaningful responsibilities.
- Why this job: Be the number one finance leader in a trusted advisory role.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong technical accounting expertise.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with long-term focus and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
We are seeking a grounded, hands-on Head of Finance (Finance Director / No.1 Finance Role) to take on the number one finance role for the circa 8M t/o UK side of the business within a stable, profitable and well-established organisation with a strong market position and a history to be proud of. This role will work closely with the Managing Director as a trusted financial and commercial partner, and act as the primary UK finance interface with the US-based parent company. The successful candidate will take time to integrate, build trust, understand the business and its operations, and provide thoughtful and well-judged leadership.
As the most senior finance leader in the UK business, you will lead this small (2 People) finance function, ensuring strong financial control, accurate reporting and ongoing compliance, while also providing commercial insight to support sound decision-making. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys being close to the detail, working within a small team, and balancing operational finance with pragmatic commercial input.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading the UK finance function, ensuring robust financial control and accurate reporting
- Acting as Company Secretary, ensuring statutory, regulatory and corporate governance compliance
- Managing the annual audit and relationships with auditors, banks and tax authorities
- Producing timely monthly financial reports in both Sterling and US Dollars
- Managing cash flow, credit control and working capital
- Responsibility for VAT (UK & Ireland), payroll, pensions, insurance and quarterly royalty reporting
- Budgeting, forecasting and sales reporting to support the commercial needs of the business
- Customer, stock, warehouse and operational reporting
- Supporting the Managing Director with acquisition reviews, financial analysis and due diligence (where required)
- Acting as the primary UK finance contact for the US parent company
- Driving continuous improvement in processes and reporting, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy and sustainability
The Team & Culture:
The finance team consists of this role and a Management Accountant, working closely together in a supportive, collaborative and down-to-earth environment. This is a fully office-based role, five days a week, where teamwork, reliability and approachability are genuinely valued. The wider business is characterised by long service, strong working relationships and a pragmatic, respectful culture.
About You:
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong technical accounting expertise and demonstrable experience of end-to-end accounting, ideally gained within an SME or similarly hands-on environment.
You are likely to bring:
- Experience operating as the senior finance professional within a stable business environment
- Strong technical accounting and statutory reporting capability
- Experience producing monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts
- Solid cash flow management and credit control experience
- A practical, commercially aware mindset and attention to detail
- The confidence and credibility to partner effectively with senior leadership and an overseas parent company
- An adaptable, reliable and collaborative working style
- Experience within consumer goods, retail, wholesale or B2C environments (highly advantageous)
- Systems experience and an interest in incremental process improvement
Why Join?
- Be the number one finance leader for the UK business in a stable, established organisation
- Join a profitable, market-leading company with strong foundations and long-term outlook
- Work closely with senior leadership in a trusted advisory capacity
- Hands-on role with meaningful responsibility and visibility
- Supportive, friendly team culture with long-term focus
Head of Finance (Finance Director - SME) in Royston employer: Vitae Financial Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Vitae Financial Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Finance Director - SME) in Royston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies like the one you're eyeing. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside and out. Understand their financials, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being their Head of Finance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've successfully led finance teams in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Finance Director - SME) in Royston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your hands-on experience in finance, especially in an SME environment, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership approach. We’re looking for someone who can build trust and work collaboratively, so share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
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 out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitae Financial Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed cash flow, budgets, and forecasts in previous roles. Show them you can handle the numbers with confidence!
✨Understand the Business
Take time to research the company’s history, market position, and operations. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their ongoing success. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about their business.
✨Build Trust with Examples
Since this role involves working closely with the Managing Director and the US parent company, come armed with examples of how you've built trust and credibility in past positions. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in a small team environment.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
The culture here values teamwork and approachability. Be ready to discuss how you’ve fostered collaboration in your previous roles. Highlight experiences where you’ve worked effectively with others, especially in finance functions, to drive improvements and achieve common goals.
