Head of Commercial Finance

Harper May; Epsom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing cosmetics brand is seeking a Head of Commercial Finance to lead strategic financial planning and performance. The ideal candidate will be ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with strong experience in commercial finance within FMCG. Responsibilities include budgeting, performance analysis, and supporting product pricing strategies. This role offers opportunities to influence key business decisions while managing a growing finance team.

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualified experience in commercial finance.
• Experience in FMCG, retail, or cosmetics.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial finance function and business partner with sales and marketing.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Deliver performance analysis and investment appraisal.
• Support pricing and return on marketing investment analysis.
• Drive improvements in reporting tools across the business.

Skills

Financial modelling

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Proactive collaboration

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Tools

Power BI

Anaplan

SAP

Job description

Harper May is working with a fast-growing cosmetics brand known for its innovation, strong market presence, and customer-centric approach.As the company continues to expand both domestically and internationally, they are seeking a commercially driven Head of Commercial Finance to lead strategic financial planning and performance across the business.

Role Overview:
Reporting into the CFO, the Head of Commercial Finance will play a key role in influencing strategic decisions, improving profitability, and supporting commercial teams with insight-driven analysis.This is a highly visible role, ideal for a finance leader with a strong commercial mindset and experience in a product-led, fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the commercial finance function, business partnering with sales, marketing, and supply chain

• Own budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes

• Deliver insightful performance analysis, margin reporting, and investment appraisal

• Support product pricing, promotional analysis, and return on marketing investment (ROMI)

• Provide commercial input into new product launches, channel strategies, and market entry decisions

• Drive improvements in reporting tools and data visibility across the business

• Develop financial models to support decision-making and scenario planning

• Manage and mentor a growing commercial finance team

Candidate Profile:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with strong post-qualified experience

• Proven experience in commercial finance roles within FMCG, retail, or cosmetics

• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail

• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ideas clearly

• Proactive, collaborative, and confident in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Advanced Excel and experience with planning/reporting systems (e.g.Power BI, Anaplan, SAP)