Head of Commercial Finance

Lord Accounting & Finance; City Of London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Clinical Research Organisation in London seeks a Commercial Finance Leader to provide financial leadership and strategy. Ideal candidates will have ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualifications, substantial experience, and must thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will manage a team and directly influence strategic growth and performance. Familiarity with CROs and PE environments is crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualified experience required.
• Ability to influence and challenge senior leaders effectively.
• Strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial finance leadership across business units.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Contribute to long-term planning and investment decisions.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Data analysis

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified

Job description

The Company

Our client is a well-respected, PE-backed Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) with its head office based in London. They provide professional services to the pharmaceutical industry delivering high quality statistics and programming for clinical trials. Experiencing dramatic growth over recent years, they have developed an outstanding reputation in the international market.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a key appointment providing commercial finance leadership across a portfolio of business units and working closely with operational leaders and the executive team to shape commercial outcomes. You will act as a true business partner owning financial performance, influencing key decisions, and ensuring finance is embedded into every aspect of operational and commercial strategy. This role is suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment and is passionate about using finance to unlock value and drive strategic growth.

Beyond the numbers, you will lead and develop a small, high-performing team, nurturing talent and setting a strong example of leadership, integrity, and accountability. You will be a sounding board to the CFO and wider Executive, providing clear, commercially grounded financial advice and contributing to long-term planning and investment decisions.

The Person

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant post-qualified experience, you will possess excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge senior leaders in a constructive and commercially credible way. Strong communication, financial modelling, and data analysis capabilities are essential. Prior experience working within a CRO (Clinical Research Organisation) is essential to bring relevant sector knowledge to the role. A background in private equity environments and experience of M&A activity would be a distinct advantage.

How to Apply

To apply in confidence, please submit a fully detailed CV online, including your current remuneration package and quoting job reference 10090.