Finance Director

mustard; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting agency is looking for a Head of Finance in Bournemouth to lead financial operations in a creative agency environment. The candidate should have formal qualifications and experience in budgeting and compliance. Responsibilities include managing financial reports, tax obligations, and guiding a small finance team. This full-time, permanent role offers a salary of up to £80,000.

Qualifications

• Experience in a creative agency environment.
• Proven track record in financial leadership and compliance.
• Ability to manage a small finance team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage statutory accounts for group entities.
• Lead monthly management accounts and board reporting.
• Oversee payroll and employee benefits compliance.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting

HMRC compliance

Payroll management

Financial reporting

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Tools

Sage

Synergist

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Head of Finance
Location: Bournemouth
Salary: Up to £80,000
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time/Part-Time
Job Ref: 39592

About them

I am working with a creative integrated agency in the South of England - are you looking for a move? My client works with an impressive portfolio of global brands delivering full service campaigns achieving increased brand visibility.

About you

I am looking to speak to financial leaders with experience in working in a creative environment - you have to understand forecasting in an agency environment. Nothing is promised in agency land, you will be budgeting every few months, if this is all a little out of your remit in a standard financial role then this might not be for you.

The ideal candidate will have formal qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and have experience in HMRC compliance and payroll management. You will head up a small finance team and assist in operational support too.

Day to day

Financial Compliance

• Prepare and manage statutory accounts for group entities
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and financial standards
• Oversee annual returns and Company House submissions
• Fulfil company secretarial duties (e.g. share activities, board documentation)
• Coordinate insurance renewals
• Ensure HMRC, GDPR, ONS, Compliance
• Manage pension compliance and ESG reporting
• Provide legal and HR compliance support, including employee benefits

Taxation Oversight

• Oversee corporation tax obligations
• Manage PAYE/NIC and employee benefit reporting (P11D, PSA)
• Oversee VAT return preparation and submission

Financial Control & Reporting

• Lead monthly management accounts and board reporting
• Produce P&L, balance sheet, trial balance, and KPI reporting
• Analyse contribution, utilisation, accruals, and deferred income
• Oversee invoicing, working capital, and exchange rate applications
• Monitor financial controls
• Manage budget performance
• Administer company insurances (health, liability, property, etc.)

Strategic Input & Budgeting

• Contribute to financial strategy development
• Support rate/pricing models and annual budget creation

HR Compliance & Support

• Oversee employment contracts, payroll, pensions, and legal compliance
• Manage visa sponsorships and employment law requirements
• Renewal of annual employee benefits programmes

Commercial & Legal Support

• Review and manage client and supplier contracts
• Liaise with banks, accountants, and legal advisors
• Develop and update corporate policies (e.g. ESG, GDPR, HR)

Systems Ownership

• Manage and optimises financial and HR systems, including:
• Synergist (Professional Services Automation software)
• Sage (accounting & payroll)

About Us

At mustard, we don't just recruit we connect people with careers that matter. As a certified B Corp, we're committed to doing business the right way: balancing profit with purpose, and always putting people and the planet first. That means treating candidates with respect, being upfront about roles, and never wasting your time. With deep roots in the design sectors, we know what makes an agency tick and more importantly, what makes a role right for you. You'll get honest advice, behind the scenes insight, and full support throughout the process. No fluff. No false promises. Just solid recruitment with a conscience.

Ready to take your next step?

Please get in touch with me, Molly McGuire if this position sounds of interest. I am a consultant at mustard with a specialist approach to creative recruitment.

For more info on this role or to chat about other options call mustard on 0117 929 6060. More roles can be found at www.mustardjobs.co.uk/jobs and other snippets at www.mustardjobs.co.uk dont forget we are a recruitment agency and not the end hirer.

mustard is a creative recruitment consultancy and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. Our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias and we welcome the opportunity to work with you. If you require any accommodations during the application process, please let us know. We appreciate the unique skills and experiences each candidate brings, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.