Head of Finance

First City Recruitment Ltd; Essex; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

First City Recruitment Ltd is partnering with a fast-growing, global events business to appoint a commercially minded Head of Finance. You will lead the finance function, shape strategy, and partner with the Founder & CEO to drive performance.

This role involves representing the company at domestic and international events and guiding financial policy across the organisation. The successful candidate will be ACCA/ICAEW qualified with strong experience in financial reporting, audits, VAT, and

Qualifications

• ACCA or ICAEW qualified (or equivalent).
• Experience delivering financial updates to stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of Xero and Microsoft Office.
• External audit experience.
• Internal audit experience across income, costs, VAT and reconciliations.
• Month-end and year-end experience.
• UK VAT reconciliation experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, overseeing day-to-day activities and reporting.
• Provide financial updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage month-end, year-end and UK VAT processes.
• Oversee audit preparations and internal controls.
• Finalize year-end accounts per FRS requirements.
• Implement and improve financial systems and policies.
• Manage payroll processes.
• Support commercial decision-making with financial insight.
• Coach and develop the finance team.
• Represent the business at events in the UK and overseas.

Skills

Stakeholder communication

Financial leadership

Financial analysis

Education

ACCA / ICAEW qualified

CIMA or ACA qualified / nearly qualified

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Office

DEXT

Fathom

Telleroo

Juro

Job description

Are you a commercially minded, ACCA/ICAEW-qualified finance leader ready to shape the future of a fast-growing global events business? This is a rare opportunity to join a market-leading organisation operating at the heart of the international defence community, working alongside senior naval and army figures through high-profile events across the UK and overseas. With turnover consistently growing and the business now approaching audit threshold, they are expanding their finance function and seeking a Head of Finance who can combine technical excellence with hands-on leadership.

The Opportunity

You will lead the day-to-day finance function, managing one direct report (with scope to grow the team), and act as a trusted advisor to the Founder & CEO. This role blends financial control, commercial insight, and operational leadership, ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the business and influencing strategic decisions. You'll also represent the company at domestic and international events, acting as a brand ambassador and contributing to their mission of being the leading engagement platform for the global armed services landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Deliver financial updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage month-end, year-end and UK VAT processes.
• Oversee external audit preparation and internal audit of income, costs, VAT and bank reconciliations.
• Finalise year-end accounts in line with FRS requirements.
• Implement and improve financial systems, policies and procedures (e.g., payment software, expense policies, financial management tools).
• Manage payroll processes.
• Support commercial decision-making with financial insight and analysis.
• Coach, develop and lead the finance team.
• Represent the business at events in the UK and internationally.

Essential Requirements

• ACCA / ICAEW qualified.
• Strong experience delivering financial updates to stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of Xero and Microsoft Office.
• External audit experience.
• Proven internal audit experience across income, costs, VAT and reconciliations.
• Month-end and year-end experience.
• UK VAT reconciliation experience.

Desirable

• CIMA or ACA qualified / nearly qualified.
• Experience with EU VAT.
• Knowledge of tools such as DEXT, Fathom, Telleroo, Juro.
• Ability to attend conferences and events.
• Interest in the armed forces or maritime sector.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (flexible depending on experience).
• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Two additional weeks off in December outside of annual leave.
• Regular team socials and events.
• Professional, supportive working environment.
• Strong commitment to continued professional development.
• Domestic and international travel opportunities.
• Excellent progression with a track record of promoting from within.
• Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, office-based.