Finance Leader: SME Growth & Controls

The CFO HQ; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Partners is recruiting a hands‑on Head of Finance / Finance Manager for an SME service business in Coventry. You will own the day‑to‑day finance function, provide leadership on profitability and cash flow, and partner with the leadership team to strengthen financial controls and reporting.

You will drive monthly management accounts, improve forecasting, and oversee year‑end deadlines with external advisers.

Qualifications

• Experience taking ownership of finance within an SME or similar scale business of a service nature.
• Strong management accounting, cash flow forecasting and financial control skills.
• Ability to switch between detailed accounting tasks and broader commercial discussions.
• Confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and external advisers with evidence.
• Track record of improving processes, resolving financial issues and delivering measurable results.
• Clear communication skills to explain financial matters to non‑finance colleagues.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using Xero or comparable accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day‑to‑day finance function with accurate, up‑to‑date records.
• Provide leadership with clear picture of profitability, cash flow, commitments and risks.
• Own monthly management accounts with straightforward commentary and actions.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital visibility for receipts and payments.
• Review billing, credit control and supplier payments; drive accountability.
• Develop budgets/forecasts with operational managers and monitor delivery.
• Strengthen balance sheet reconciliations, controls and approval procedures.
• Coordinate year‑end information with external advisers and statutory deadlines.
• Improve use of Xero and related systems to reduce manual work and improve reporting.

Skills

Management accounting

Cash flow forecast

Financial controls

Budgeting

Excel skills

Xero proficiency

Stakeholder management

Tools

Xero

Excel

Job description

SF Partners is recruiting a hands‑on Head of Finance / Finance Manager for an SME service business in Coventry. You will own the day‑to‑day finance function, provide leadership on profitability and cash flow, and partner with the leadership team to strengthen financial controls and reporting.

You will drive monthly management accounts, improve forecasting, and oversee year‑end deadlines with external advisers.