Head of Finance Job Description for strategic finance leaders

The Head of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for directing the finance function, shaping financial strategy and ensuring robust financial control. This position is suitable for experienced finance professionals with proven leadership ability, strong technical accounting knowledge and a track record of partnering with executive teams to drive business performance.

Head of Finance Job Profile

The Head of Finance provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial activities across the organisation. The role owns financial planning, reporting and governance, and supports decision making through timely, accurate financial insight.

This position acts as the principal financial adviser to the executive team and board, balancing long term strategic objectives with day to day financial stewardship and compliance responsibilities.

Head of Finance Job Description

The Head of Finance leads the finance team to deliver reliable management accounts, statutory reporting and comprehensive budgeting and forecasting. The role sets standards for internal control, financial policy and performance measurement while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

In this role you will develop and implement financial strategies that support business priorities, optimise capital allocation and improve operational efficiency. You will present financial insights to senior stakeholders, influence commercial decisions and support strategic initiatives such as business planning, investment appraisal and change programmes.

The role operates in a fast paced, collaborative environment and requires effective people leadership, the ability to manage external relationships with auditors and advisors, and a commitment to continuous improvement of finance processes and controls.

Head of Finance: Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function to deliver accurate, timely management and statutory reporting.
• Own the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Prepare and present financial reports, analysis and recommendations to the executive team and board.
• Ensure month end and year end close activities are completed to high quality and on schedule.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies and governance frameworks.
• Manage cashflow, working capital and treasury activities to support operational needs.
• Oversee statutory compliance, tax filings and liaison with external auditors and regulators.
• Provide commercial business partnering to operational leaders to support growth and performance improvement.
• Lead financial planning for capital projects, investment decisions and business cases.
• Drive process improvements and automation to enhance accuracy and efficiency in finance operations.
• Assess and manage financial risks, ensuring appropriate mitigation and reporting mechanisms.
• Coordinate and support due diligence and integration activities for mergers, acquisitions or disposals.
• Recruit, mentor and retain a high performing finance team and promote professional development.
• Establish key performance indicators and performance measurement systems to monitor financial health.

Head of Finance: Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Substantial post qualification experience in financial management, including senior leadership exposure.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and statutory compliance.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of corporate finance principles.
• Experience of managing audits and external stakeholders including regulators and tax authorities.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen and experience in business partnering with senior management.
• Excellent analytical, modelling and problem solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for executive and board level engagement.
• Track record of driving process improvement and implementing financial controls.
• Ability to prioritise, delegate and manage multiple deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• High integrity, ethical standards and commitment to continuous professional development.