Head of Finance

GDS Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech-forward company in Bristol seeks a Head of Finance to lead the transformation of its finance function through AI and data automation. This role involves managing core financial operations, ensuring compliance, and partnering with business leaders to integrate financial insights into decision-making. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with significant experience and a proven track record in system change and digital transformation.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Clear progression path

Qualifications

• 4+ years post-qualification experience in dynamic environments.
• Experience in Big 4 or mid-tier audit/accounting firm preferred.
• Currently in a Financial Controller position seeking strategic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance Function and drive AI transformation.
• Manage financial reporting and oversee budgeting.
• Partner with department leads for strategic decision-making.
• Oversee year-end audit and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership in financial operations

AI and automation integration

Financial modeling

Strong communication skills

Analytical and detail-oriented

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Excel

NetSuite

Salesforce

Job description

Role: Head of Finance

Location: Bristol (onsite, Queen Square)

Lead the Finance Function - and Drive the AI Transformation of GDS Group

As GDS Group continues to grow, evolve and diversify its product offering, we are entering a pivotal phase: transforming how we operate, make decisions, and scale - with AI and data automation at the heart of that evolution.

We're looking for a commercially astute, forward-thinking Head of Finance to lead this transformation. You'll take ownership of all core financial operations, while also spearheading the implementation of new AI-driven tools, automation frameworks, and next-gen reporting systems - not just within Finance, but as a strategic partner to the wider business.

This is a rare opportunity to lead from the front as we reimagine our Finance function for the future. Based full-time in our Bristol office, the role is ideally suited to an experienced Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager ready to step into broader leadership with a strong focus on digital innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of accurate, timely, and actionable financial reporting across the business.
• Lead the adoption and integration of AI, automation, and data intelligence tools within Finance to improve reporting, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Partner with department leads and execs to embed financial data into strategic product and business decisions.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting for key commercial units.
• Identify and implement scalable, future-ready processes, systems, and controls across the finance operation.
• Manage the year-end audit and ensure full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Review and recommend changes to the GDS Group company structure, and lead implementation where required.
• Support planning and forecasting across P&L, cash flow, and investment activity.
• Monitor FX exposure and recommend tactical risk mitigation strategies.
• Own key month-end processes, including hands-on involvement in journals and reconciliations.
• Respond to commercial and operational finance queries with clarity, agility, and strategic context.
• Lead, develop, and coach the finance team - helping them adapt to the new AI-powered ways of working

About You

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• 4+ years post-qualification experience, ideally in a dynamic, tech-forward or evolving environment.
• Background in a Big 4 or mid-tier audit/accountancy firm (preferred).
• Currently in a Financial Controller or equivalent position, looking to step up into strategic leadership.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to finance system change, automation, or digital transformation projects.
• Experienced in financial modelling, forecasting, and business partnering.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and commercially aware.
• Strong communicator - able to explain financial and technical concepts to non-finance stakeholders and project manage across multiple teams to fast deadlines.
• Systems experience with tools such as Excel, NetSuite, Salesforce, Payhawk, BambooHR (not all required).

What We Offer

• The chance to own and lead strategic finance initiatives in a business embracing digital change
• Competitive Salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• The opportunity to lead a digital and AI-first transformation of our Finance function and help shape wider business strategy
• A collaborative, in-person work culture at our Bristol HQ
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme and employee wellbeing initiatives
• Clear progression path and meaningful leadership exposure

This isn't just a finance role - it's a strategic opportunity to shape how GDS Group operates in the AI era.

If you're ready to step into a forward-facing leadership role and build the finance function of tomorrow, we'd love to hear from you.