Head of Finance

Venture Recruitment Partners; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A private equity-backed SME in Poole is seeking an ambitious Head of Finance to lead the finance function, oversee all financial operations, and manage strategic financial planning. The ideal candidate will have ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications, with proven leadership and technical skills. This role offers a discretionary annual bonus, 25 days' holiday, and access to an on-site gym. The potential for progression to Finance Director is also available.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

5% company pension scheme employer contribution

Free car parking

Free on-site gym and fitness classes

Qualifications

• Comprehensive Financial Services experience, preferably in industry or relevant portfolio from practice.
• Proven ability to manage people and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function with robust financial controls.
• Oversee all financial operations including reporting and compliance.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
• Deliver accurate management accounts and KPI tracking.
• Collaborate with Treasury to drive process improvements.

Skills

Leadership skills

Technical accounting skills

Commercial awareness

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification

Job description

Head of Finance Poole

Reports to: Finance Director

Chilworth Partnership have the pleasure in supporting a private equity-backed SME, based in Poole, to recruit an ambitious Head of Finance in a newly created role. This role has been introduced due to a significant period of growth following a refinance earlier in 2025, with succession planning in mind and progression to Finance Director on offer. The business is renowned locally for their stunning waterside offices and bespoke product base. The successful candidate will also have access to free weekly PT sessions at their on-site gym, as well as being given time out of your working week to take part in company social events, charity initiatives and regular wellbeing breaks.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function: ensuring robust financial controls, efficient processes, and scalable systems, while mentoring a high-performing team and fostering continuous improvement.
• Oversee all financial operations: including statutory reporting, audits, tax compliance, Companies House submissions, payroll, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning: providing clear analysis and insights to support commercial decision-making and influence group strategy.
• Deliver accurate and timely management accounts, KPI tracking, and Board reporting: including production of the Board pack and presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Partner with senior leadership: to shape pricing, budgets, growth initiatives, and business strategy, ensuring alignment between financial goals and operational priorities.
• Collaborate with Treasury and drive process improvements: enhancing cashflow management, financial control, and the safeguarding of company assets.

About you

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification is essential.
• Comprehensive Financial Services experience, preferably gained within industry but a relevant portfolio within practice will also be considered.
• Proven leadership skills, both in terms of managing people and internal / external stakeholders.
• Robust technical accounting skills combined with strong commercial awareness.

Benefits / Additional Information

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
• 5% company pension scheme employer contribution.
• Free car parking.
• Free on-site gym and fitness classes.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We will consider all qualified applications for this position. Chilworth Partnership / Venture Recruitment Partners does not discriminate against disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Venture Recruitment Partners (also trading as Chilworth Partnership Ltd) is a Recruitment Agency. By applying for this role, you are authorising us as a Recruitment Agency to contact you and to provide services and information relating to job hunting activities. Please see our Privacy Policy at (url removed).