At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting and strong controls.
- Company: Join WessexLifts, a growing company with a collaborative team of 280 people.
- Benefits: Enjoy life insurance, a pension scheme, 28 days holiday, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with exciting growth plans.
- Why this job: Step up into a leadership role and grow towards Finance Director.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or newly qualified in finance with strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
We are seeking a Head of Finance to take ownership of the finance function within WessexLifts, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable financial information while strengthening financial controls and processes. This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to someone looking to step up and develop into a Finance Director position over time. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving the quality of reporting, strengthening balance sheet integrity, and enhancing cash management across the business.
The group includes Stone Hardy and Wessex Lifts, employing around 280 people across multiple sites. With turnover currently at £30m and plans to exceed £45m in 3+ years, this is an opportunity to contribute to a growing and evolving business.
Financial Reporting & Control (Core Focus)- Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts
- Improve the quality, clarity, and reliability of management information
- Full ownership of balance sheet integrity, including robust reconciliations
- Ensure strong financial controls across all processes
- Lead the audit process and manage external auditor relationships
- Manage day‑to‑day cashflow and short‑term forecasting
- Improve visibility and control of the cash cycle
- Work closely with operations to optimise working capital
- Identify and implement improvements across finance processes
- Increase efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of outputs
- Support ERP system utilisation and data accuracy
- Support and develop the existing finance team
- Ensure accountability, structure, and clear responsibilities
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Provide analysis to support operational decision‑making
- Part‑qualified, newly qualified, or QBE (ACCA / CIMA / ACA)
- Strong technical grounding in management accounts and controls
- Proven experience improving reporting accuracy and processes
- Good Excel skills
- Hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and accountable
- Ambitious and motivated to grow into a more senior role
- Life Insurance
- Paid sickness scheme (after qualifying period)
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Free onsite parking
- Employee assistance program
Salary: £60,000; Hours: 40
Head of Finance employer: Wessex Lifts
WessexLifts is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a clear pathway for advancement into senior roles such as Finance Director. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive benefits including life insurance and a generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to ongoing training, WessexLifts fosters an environment where finance professionals can thrive while contributing to the success of a rapidly growing business. Located across multiple sites, the company provides a dynamic workplace that values accuracy, accountability, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their financial goals, challenges, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial reporting, cash management, and process improvement can directly benefit WessexLifts. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience with financial reporting, cash management, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong technical grounding, don’t forget to mention your Excel skills and any relevant qualifications like ACCA or CIMA. We want to know you can handle the numbers with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Lifts
✨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 improved reporting accuracy in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also drive results.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've supported and developed your team in the past. Highlight any experience you have in creating accountability and structure within a team, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Process Improvements
WessexLifts is looking for someone who can identify and implement improvements across finance processes. Come armed with specific examples of how you've increased efficiency and accuracy in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with WessexLifts and its growth plans. Be ready to discuss how your financial strategies can support their goal of exceeding £45m turnover. Showing that you understand the business context will set you apart from other candidates.
