Group Head of Finance

Penman Consulting; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a Group Head of Finance to oversee financial strategy, compliance, and operations. This senior leadership role requires strong experience in financial management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication. The ideal candidate will have a qualification as an accountant and at least 5-10 years in senior finance roles. The position offers hybrid working in the UK.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of senior finance experience.
• Experience managing finances in a group structure.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute financial strategy aligned with business goals.
• Manage compliance with financial regulations and requirements.
• Lead and develop finance staff and external providers.

Skills

Financial strategy development

Fundamentals of UK financial regulations

Leadership and team management

Stakeholder communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Group Head of Finance
Location: Hybrid (UK-based preferred)
Reports To: CEO
Companies: Penman Consulting Group

The Group Head of Finance will be responsible for the overall financial leadership, strategy, planning, and governance of both Penman Consulting and Active Steward. This is a senior leadership role requiring hands-on oversight of the day-to-day finance operations while also contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term planning across the group.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute group-wide financial strategy aligned with business goals and growth objectives.
• Provide strategic insights and financial analysis to support investment, expansion, and operational initiatives.
• Support the CEOs and Boards in budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and business planning.
• Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, management accounts, cash flow, and treasury for both companies.
• Manage budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis processes.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in consolidated reporting across entities.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements in the UK and any other jurisdictions in which the group operates.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies during audits and reporting cycles.
• Maintain up-to-date financial policies and procedures across the group.

Operational Finance

• Manage accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and expense processes.
• Oversee and optimise financial systems, tools, and integrations (e.g., accounting platforms, ERP systems).
• Support procurement and contract financial reviews.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop finance staff and external providers (e.g., accountants/bookkeepers).
• Act as a key liaison between finance and other departments including HR, operations, and technology.
• Present regular financial updates to stakeholders and provide input for investor or client reporting where needed.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with at least 5-10 years of senior finance experience.
• Proven experience managing finances across multiple entities or a group structure.
• Strong understanding of UK financial, tax, and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act operationally.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in consultancy, scientific services, ESG, or SaaS environments.
• Knowledge of R&D tax credits, grants, or other innovation finance mechanisms.
• Familiarity with financial technology platforms and automation.
• Language skills in French, Dutch, or Flemish is a distinct advantage, reflecting the group's international operations.
• Knowledge of Belgian financial, tax, and regulatory environments is highly beneficial, particularly in support of cross-border compliance and operational alignment.

For queries, please contact us.