Head of Commercial Finance

Harper May; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetics company in London seeks an experienced Head of Commercial Finance to lead financial planning and analysis. You will collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chains, driving profitability and supporting strategic decisions. Ideal candidates are ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with strong experience in FMCG or retail. Proficiency in financial modelling and advanced Excel is required.

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualified experience in commercial finance roles.
• Proven experience in FMCG, retail, or cosmetics industries.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ideas.
• Proactive, collaborative, and confident in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial finance function, partnering with sales and marketing.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Deliver insightful performance analysis and margin reporting.
• Support product pricing and marketing return on investment.
• Drive improvements in reporting tools and data visibility.
• Develop financial models for decision-making.
• Manage and mentor a commercial finance team.

Skills

Financial modelling

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualification

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)