Head of Finance

Robert Walters UK; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Finance to join their team in Cardiff. This permanent role involves shaping financial strategy, overseeing all financial operations, and ensuring accuracy in financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have a qualified accounting background and proven experience in financial leadership roles. Strong technical accounting knowledge, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to manage a small finance team are essential. The position offers a hybrid work environment and a competitive salary package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Head of Finance in a hands-on capacity.
• Experience managing month end processes and budgeting cycles.
• Experience within sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, or construction is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts including P&L statements.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes with compliance to accounting standards.
• Partner with senior leadership to provide financial guidance on pricing and margin strategies.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting cycles in alignment with organisational objectives.
• Produce detailed financial analysis and commentary to support business reviews.
• Oversee statutory accounts and communication with external auditors.
• Supervise and participate in day-to-day accounting activities.
• Monitor daily cash flow and manage cash forecasting.
• Manage and develop a small finance team.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Strong technical accounting knowledge and familiarity with UK GAAP

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent communication abilities

High attention to detail

Strong problem-solving skills

Job description

Robert Walters – Head of Finance – Permanent – Cardiff – Hybrid

Salary: £70,000‑£80,000 per annum + package. Hours: full time.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Finance to join a well-established organisation based in Cardiff. This pivotal senior role offers you the chance to shape financial strategy, drive operational excellence, and take full ownership of all financial operations, ensuring accuracy and integrity across the P&L, financial reporting, and process improvement. You will be at the heart of decision‑making, working closely with senior leaders to provide trusted financial insight, governance, and commercial guidance, while also remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day accounting activities. This is a role for someone who thrives in a hands‑on environment and values collaboration with both the finance team and wider business stakeholders, making a tangible impact on overall business performance.

Responsibilities of Head of Finance

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and variance analysis to ensure comprehensive financial oversight.
• Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes with meticulous attention to compliance with accounting standards, guaranteeing robust financial reporting.
• Partner with the senior leadership team, including Managing Director, Sales Director, and Operations Director to provide financial guidance and commercial insight on pricing strategies, margin analysis, and cost‑saving initiatives.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting cycles by collaborating closely with departmental leads to ensure alignment with organisational objectives.
• Produce detailed financial analysis and insightful commentary to support regular business performance reviews and inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and maintain effective communication with external auditors to facilitate smooth audit processes.
• Supervise and actively participate in day‑to‑day accounting activities such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, fixed asset register maintenance, accruals, and prepayments.
• Ensure the general ledger remains accurate, well structured, and up‑to‑date through diligent review and process management.
• Monitor daily cash flow activities, manage cash forecasting, and optimise working capital to support business stability.
• Manage and develop a small finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement.

What the successful candidate will bring

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Head of Finance in a hands‑on capacity.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and familiarity with UK GAAP.
• Experience managing month end processes and budgeting cycles.
• Advanced Excel skills and excellent communication abilities.
• High attention to detail and strong problem‑solving skills.
• Experience within sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, or construction is advantageous.

At the Robert Walters Group, we endeavour to contact all candidates to register their details. However, due to the high number of applications we receive, if we have not reached out to you within 72 hours, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the job

• Contract Type: Permanent
• Specialism: Accountancy & Finance
• Focus: CFO/Finance Director/Financial Controller
• Workplace Type: Hybrid
• Experience Level: Senior Management
• Location: Cardiff

Job Reference: NSX6O9-FFA9E9EE