Group Head of Finance & Data Management

Technopolis Group; London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An international research and consulting organisation in London is seeking a Group Head of Finance to oversee financial operations across multiple subsidiaries. This strategic role requires strong analytical skills and experience in financial systems. The ideal candidate will have a finance qualification and 4+ years of experience, with opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment. The position offers a salary range of £35k-£50k, flexible working arrangements, and additional benefits.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus scheme

Contributory pension

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in finance, ideally within a multi-entity or international organisation.
• Experience in improving company information systems and processes.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Collect and consolidate monthly financial reports from all subsidiaries and Hold Co.
• Develop and maintain dashboards that track key operational and financial metrics.
• Produce a quarterly cross-Group Work in Progress (WIP) report.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial systems skills

Strong communication skills

Education

AAT, CIMA, ACA or ACCA qualified (or part-qualified with equivalent experience)

Tools

Xero

Sage

Power BI

Job description

Overview

Introduction

Do you want to build on your financial background in a strategic, cross-organisational role, supporting a company that delivers positive impact on pressing social and environmental challenges around the world?

Location: London, Brighton, Paris

Position: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £35k-£50k or ₠ equivalent (depending on experience)

Deadline for applications: 10 August, 2025

About this job

About Technopolis

Technopolis is an employee owned, international research and consulting organisation working predominantly for the public sector across Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. We provide strategic advice based on evidence and scientific insight to help decision makers address the pressing societal challenges of our time and shape a more sustainable future.

Our 300 multidisciplinary experts, based in 11 subsidiaries, deliver strategic foresight, rigorous analysis, and practical support, even in the most complex contexts. We combine cutting-edge data analytics with deep policy expertise to deliver insights that are both actionable and enduring.

We work with institutions such as the European Commission, multilateral development banks, national governments, and local authorities. We also support universities, research centres, business networks, and incubators, helping them navigate complexity and deliver impact.

About the Role

As Group Head of Finance, you will be part of the Group Management Team and report to the Group Operations Director. The Group Management Team is led by the Group Managing Partner, reports to the Board of Technopolis Group and provides oversight and support to our 11 Subsidiaries. This is a unique opportunity to combine operational finance, oversight, and systems leadership in a strategic role in a growing international organisation.

You will coordinate financial reporting and planning across our 11 subsidiaries in Europe, Africa and Latin America, improve the consistency and quality of management information, and contribute to system design and data architecture that enables stronger decision-making. You'll work closely with senior leaders and local office managers to shape the tools and processes that underpin our financial strength and operational agility.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role suited to someone who enjoys variety, takes initiative, and wants to help a mission-driven organisation grow.

Your profile

You are a finance professional with strong analytical skills, a systems mindset, and a collaborative approach. You may be qualified (or part-qualified) in accountancy, with experience in multi-entity reporting, budgeting, and process improvement. But you're also someone who sees the bigger picture - how financial systems, tools, and insights can drive organisational performance.

You're excited by the opportunity to work internationally, contribute to a mission with real social value, and grow your leadership skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. Most importantly, you're comfortable wearing multiple hats and be ready to make get involved.

Requirements

Essential

• AAT, CIMA, ACA or ACCA qualified (or part-qualified with equivalent experience)
• Minimum 4+ years of experience in finance, ideally within a multi-entity or international organisation. Note: We are open to candidates at different levels of experience and the role presents opportunities for both early and later career candidates.
• Strong Excel and financial system skills (e.g. Xero, Sage, Exact)
• Excellent communication skills - able to translate complex financial data for non-financial colleagues
• Demonstrated experience in improving company information systems and processes
• Experience working in a project-based industry or related field (e.g. consultancy, international development, NGOs)

Desirable

• Ability to build API or low-code integrations and automations.
• Experience supporting finance system upgrades, ERP tools or reporting platforms
• Exposure to M&A or other strategic finance initiatives
• Familiarity with Power BI or other data visualisation tools
• Line management experience or interest in supporting others' development

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, analytical, and solutions-focused
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a dynamic environment

Your responsibilities

Group Financial and Management Reporting, Analysis & Insight

• Monthly Performance Reporting: Collect and consolidate monthly financial reports from all subsidiaries and Hold Co, producing clear and consistent performance summaries. These will include profit & loss statements, liquidity updates, and business unit KPIs to support management decisions at Group level.
• KPI Dashboards: Develop and maintain dashboards that track key operational and financial metrics across the Group - including sales performance, staff utilisation, project profitability, billing efficiency, and productivity. Ensure these insights are actionable and aligned with Group objectives.
• WIP Reporting: Produce a quarterly cross-Group Work in Progress (WIP) report to monitor project delivery, revenue recognition, and resource management. Flag emerging risks or underperformance early to support project leads and finance teams.
• Subsidiary Reporting Support: Provide clear guidance and practical support to local offices to help them meet reporting standards, timelines, and data quality expectations. Encourage consistency and standardisation across the Group.
• Group Treasury & Liquidity Oversight: Monitor cash positions and intercompany flows across the Group. Identify potential liquidity constraints and advise the Group Operations Director on appropriate actions, including short-term cash management, internal recharges, and local cash controls.
• Performance Analysis & Board Reporting: Analyse key trends in revenue, margin, utilisation, productivity, and overheads. Prepare financial commentary and visual reports for Board meetings, translating complex data into clear insights and recommended actions.

Finance Systems & Information Management

• Systems Development: Support the evaluation, selection, and rollout of new finance systems across the Group. Act as a key internal stakeholder, ensuring systems align with financial and operational reporting needs and enable standardised practices across all offices.
• Systems Support: Develop tools, templates, and guidance to support consistent data and financial reporting across subsidiaries. Support improvements in how management information is gathered, analysed, and presented.
• Audit Coordination: Act as the primary internal liaison for the Group's external auditor. Coordinate the delivery of timely and accurate management reports, reconciliations, and supporting schedules as part of the annual statutory consolidation (note: technical consolidation is handled by external accountant).

Projects & Strategic Support

• M&A Support: Assist in identifying and evaluating acquisition targets. Prepare financial models and valuation support; contribute to commercial due diligence; and participate in post-acquisition financial integration activities where relevant.

Our offer

In addition to the dynamism of the business and the intellectual challenge of our project work, we offer:

• Salary £35,000 - £50,000 or ₠ equivalent, depending on qualifications and experience. We are open to candidates at different levels of experience.
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Contributory pension
• Private healthcare / mutual health insurance
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Cycle-to-work scheme, public transport reimbursement (depending on location)
• 33 days of annual leave (including 8 national holidays) in UK, 25 days plus RTT in France
• Job based in our London, Brighton or Paris office
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for career progression, training, and mentoring
• A strong culture of internal promotion
• Possibility of future shareholding (subject to Board approval)

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Social Value

• Technopolis is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our team brings together people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and we strive to provide equal opportunities from recruitment through to senior management.

Interested? Apply directly

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV on our website, together with a covering letter explaining your interest in the specific job, how your skills and experience meet our requirements and why you believe you would be a good addition to the Technopolis team. The closing date for receipt of applications is 10th August 2025.