At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop finance operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all financial processes.
- Company: Dynamic organisation based in Abingdon with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Key leadership role with exposure to senior stakeholders and opportunities for process improvements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with significant career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial strategies and leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 5-10 years in senior finance leadership and strong technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to join a dynamic Group Finance team based in Abingdon. Reporting directly to the Group Finance Director, this is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all finance operations activities, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury, VAT, cashflow management and financial controls. This position offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing finance operations team, drive process improvements, support strategic business initiatives and ensure the integrity, accuracy and efficiency of financial processes across a diverse and growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and develop the finance operations team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
- Oversee Accounts Payable, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments and liability reporting.
- Manage Accounts Receivable activities, ensuring effective billing, collections and cash generation.
- Develop and enhance cashflow forecasting and reporting processes.
- Manage banking relationships and optimise treasury operations.
- Maintain robust financial controls across AP, AR, Treasury, General Ledger and VAT processes.
- Oversee intercompany accounting policies and reconciliations.
- Implement and monitor key performance indicators across finance operations.
- Support statutory audits and ensure compliance with accounting standards and tax regulations.
- Collaborate with operational, commercial and senior leadership teams to streamline processes and drive business improvement.
About You
We are looking for a finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
- 5–10 years' experience in a senior finance leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury, General Ledger accounting and tax compliance.
- Proven experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Strong understanding of month-end close processes, balance sheet reconciliations and financial analysis.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
- Comfortable working within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Desirable
- Experience within a complex multi-site or multi-entity environment.
- Experience using Microsoft Navision ERP system.
Benefits
- A key leadership position within a growing organisation.
- Opportunity to influence business-wide initiatives and process improvements.
- Significant exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic decision-making.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- The chance to lead and develop a talented finance operations team.
Head of Finance (4128) employer: Wade Macdonald
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Abingdon as the Head of Finance, where you will lead a high-performing finance operations team in a collaborative and supportive environment. With significant exposure to senior stakeholders and opportunities for professional growth, this role allows you to influence strategic business initiatives and drive process improvements, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (4128)
✨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
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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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Wade Macdonald. 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 (4128)
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 Wade Macdonald.
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 Wade Macdonald'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 Wade Macdonald
✨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 Wade Macdonald.
✨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 Wade Macdonald 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 Wade Macdonald 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.
