Head of Finance

The CFO HQ; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on-site

Hybrid working after 3-6 months

Job summary

The CFO HQ is seeking a Head of Finance in Colchester to lead the finance function on a fixed-term basis. You will shape and execute the financial strategy, partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, and drive robust governance and financial controls.

You will oversee budgeting, projections, reporting and auditing, while supporting growth initiatives and supplier/commissioning negotiations. The role offers hybrid working after an initial period and potential progression to a permanent

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or CIPFA membership.
• Extensive senior finance leadership experience.
• Experience reporting to Boards/Trustees and governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the financial strategy aligned to objectives and plans.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Provide strategic financial advice to CEO, MD and Board.
• Lead financial modelling, due diligence and acquisitions support.
• Produce high-quality statutory accounts, management reports and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Governance

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)

Job description

# Head of FinanceAccounting / Finance,Head of FinanceNovember 6, 2026Contract### Job Description* Contract* Colchester, Essex* Posted 18 hours ago* £70,000 – £75,000 per annumWebsite**CV-Library**Head of Finance – FTC£70,000 – £75,000 a year – Full-timeMonday-Friday, 9am-5pmOffice based position, with free parking on-siteHybrid working (1 day per week) available after 3-6 monthsFTC for 3-6 Months with potential of becoming permenentOur client on the outskirts of Colchester are seeking a Head of Finance to join the senior team at a very exciting time for the business.The Head of Finance will provide strategic and operational leadership of the finance function, ensuring the business remains financially robust, commercially focused and well governed. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director and operational leaders to shape strategy, support sustainable growth and provide financial insight.Key duties:Develop and deliver the financial strategy, aligned to corporate objectives and long-term business plansProvide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Managing Director, Board and Senior Leadership TeamLead financial modelling and scenario planning to support growth, investment and service developmentMonitor developments within the adult social care sector and advise on the financial impact of changes in commissioning, funding and regulationLead the annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processesDevelop and lead an annual strategy for fee uplifts, using financial analysis, market intelligence and bench-marking to support negotiations with local authorities, NHS commissioners and other funding bodiesProduce accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts, cash flow projections and performance analysisMonitor financial performance, identifying emerging risks and opportunitiesWork with operational managers to improve budget management and financial accountabilityPrepare high-quality financial reports, forecasts and business cases for the BoardPresent complex financial information clearly to support informed decision-makingSupport the Board in meeting its governance responsibilities through robust financial reporting, assurance and risk managementLead the financial appraisal, modelling and due diligence of acquisitions, mergers and new servicesWork with external advisers throughout acquisition processes.Support post-acquisition integration, ensuring effective financial controls, reporting and performance monitoringEnsure compliance with statutory requirements, accounting standards and regulatory obligationsLead the preparation of statutory accounts and manage the external audit processOversee tax, VAT, payroll and statutory reporting requirementsMonitor occupancy, staffing costs, agency spend and service profitabilityOversee cash flow, working capital and banking arrangementsEnsure effective debtor management and income collectionLead the development of finance systems, reporting and internal processesPromote automation and technology to improve efficiency and reporting capabilityLead, develop and motivate the finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing cultureCandidate requirements:Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA). Can consider QBEEvidence of continuing professional developmentSignificant experience in a senior finance leadership roleAdult social care, healthcare or another regulated sector would be a strong advantageExperience reporting to Boards or Trustees and presenting strategic financial informationStrong track record in budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting and financial controlExperience managing external audit and regulatory complianceFinancial modelling, business planning and commercial decision supportExperience supporting acquisitions, organisational growth or major business changeExperience leading and developing finance teamsHuntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this role