Key Achievements:
- Led the global finance function, improving financial insight and decision-making, increasing forecast accuracy by 30%.
- Designed and optimised budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes, aligning financial plans with business strategy.
- Implemented automated financial reporting, forecasting, and performance tools, saving 20+ hours per month and improving data quality.
- Standardised financial planning and reporting frameworks across multiple subsidiaries, enabling consistent group-level performance management.
- Strengthened financial governance, controls, and risk management, reducing financial errors and improving decision reliability by 50%.
- Oversaw management and consolidated financial reporting, delivering timely, accurate insights for executive and board decision-making.
- Improved cash flow forecasting and working capital management, strengthening liquidity and operational resilience.
- Introduced advanced variance analysis, scenario planning, and financial modelling to support strategic and investment decisions.
- Led ERP and finance system implementations, enhancing FP&A capability, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Built and developed high-performing finance teams, creating multiple internal promotions and succession pipelines.
- Streamlined intercompany financial planning and reporting processes, reducing delays and reconciliation issues by 25%.
- Introduced executive-level KPIs and dashboards to track financial performance, profitability, and operational efficiency.
- Delivered £500K / $600K in annual cost savings through strategic cost reviews, margin analysis, and efficiency initiatives.
- Improved capital expenditure planning, fixed asset forecasting, and cost allocation methodologies.
- Enhanced revenue forecasting, expense management, and financial performance tracking.
- Partnered with external advisors and stakeholders to support audits, funding, and financial governance requirements.
- Standardised management and board reporting packs to improve clarity, consistency, and decision support.
- Introduced scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to assess growth, risk, and investment opportunities.
- Developed and maintained finance policies and frameworks to support scalable growth and corporate governance.
- Partnered closely with operations, commercial, and leadership teams to improve profitability and financial insight.
- Led finance transformation initiatives focused on automation, scalability, and reducing manual processes.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the finance function, ensuring high-quality financial planning, analysis, and performance reporting.
- Own budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.
- Provide strategic financial insight and analysis to senior leadership to support decision-making and growth initiatives.
- Drive cash flow management, working capital optimisation, and liquidity planning.
- Develop financial models, scenario analysis, and business cases for strategic projects and investments.
- Partner with operational and commercial leaders to improve profitability, efficiency, and financial outcomes.
- Oversee management reporting, KPIs, and executive dashboards.
- Lead finance systems, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
- Ensure strong financial governance, controls, and risk management frameworks.
- Manage, mentor, and develop finance team members to deliver high performance.
- Coordinate with accounting, tax, auditors, and external advisors to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
What does a Head of Finance do?
A Head of Finance oversees an organisation's finance department, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective budgeting and strong financial controls. They provide strategic financial leadership, manage finance teams and work closely with senior management to support business growth and operational performance.
What qualifications do you need to become a Head of Finance?
Most employers require ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifications together with extensive finance leadership experience. Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and team management is also highly valued.
What skills are important for a Head of Finance?
Successful Heads of Finance require strong leadership, commercial awareness and strategic thinking. Excellent communication, analytical ability and stakeholder management skills are essential, alongside detailed technical accounting knowledge.
What are the responsibilities of a Head of Finance?
Responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, managing budgets, maintaining financial controls, leading finance teams, supporting strategic planning, improving financial performance and advising senior leadership on financial matters.
What career progression is available for a Head of Finance?
Heads of Finance commonly progress into Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director or broader executive leadership positions.