Deputy Head of Finance

Vitae Financial Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in the UK is seeking a Deputy Head of Finance to lead and develop the financial operations. This impactful role involves overseeing budgeting, reporting, and strategic improvements while working closely with the Executive Team. The ideal candidate will be ACA/ ACCA/ CIMA qualified with senior-level experience in financial management, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset. This position offers a salary of up to £70,000 plus benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Strong benefits

Hybrid working

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• Minimum senior-level experience across financial management, planning and operations.
• Proficient in simplifying complex financial information.
• Experience in multi-service or multi-site environments is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring high standards.
• Oversee month-end and year-end reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting and planning processes.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial policies.
• Partner with operational leaders for performance support.
• Lead external audit and risk management.

Skills

Senior-level experience in financial management

Confident leadership skills

Strong communication

Proactive improvement-focused mindset

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Job description

Deputy Head of Finance – Watford – 70,000 + Benefits – Hybrid Working

I'm supporting a long-standing Hertfordshire organisation that plays a vital role in supporting the local community. They're looking for a Head of Financial Strategy & Operations to work closely with the Executive Team and lead the finance function through its next phase of modernisation, stability and growth.

This is a genuinely impactful leadership role – ideal for someone who wants responsibility, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in an organisation that exists for more than just the numbers.

The Role

Reporting directly into the Head of Finance, you'll take ownership of financial operations while driving strategic improvements across budgeting, reporting, controls and processes. It's a hands‑on leadership position, supported by a capable team, and will suit someone who enjoys balancing the operational with the strategic.

You'll work closely with department leads across the organisation, helping them understand financial performance, sharpening forecasting, and ensuring solid financial governance is embedded throughout.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring high standards and a collaborative culture
• Oversee month‑end, year‑end and statutory reporting
• Own budgeting, forecasting and long‑range planning processes
• Strengthen internal controls, financial policies and processes
• Partner with operational leaders to support performance and decision‑making
• Provide robust insight and analysis to improve financial sustainability
• Lead on external audit, compliance, and risk‑management
• Play a key role in financial strategy alongside the CFO and Executive Team

What You’ll Bring

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified
• Senior‑level experience across financial management, planning and operations
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to influence across the organisation
• Strong communication – able to simplify complex financial information
• A proactive and improvement‑focused mindset
• Multi‑service or multi‑site experience beneficial but not essential

Why This Role?

• High‑impact, purpose‑driven leadership role
• Direct exposure to the Exec Team and Board
• Hybrid working and a supportive culture
• Salary up to 70,000 + strong benefits
• A chance to shape the future of a major community‑focused organisation