Head of Finance

Curtis Recruitment; Godalming; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing consultancy located in Godalming is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance function and shape its financial strategy. This pivotal role requires a qualified accountant with substantial experience in consulting. Responsibilities include managing financial reporting, project accounting, and budget forecasting. Join a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact business growth and success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in finance roles.
• Experience managing a standalone finance function in a fast-growing scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of UK financial and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the end-to-end finance function.
• Deliver timely and accurate financial data to CEO and Board.
• Oversee all accounting activities.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Experience in a professional services or consulting environment

Proficient with Xero

Advanced Excel skills

Strong commercial awareness

Experience with financial automation and APIs

Strong understanding of project accounting

Tools

Xero

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Head of Finance
£70,000 – £75,000
Godalming outskirts
Full Time, Permanent
Ref: OFJ096

We are recruiting for a Head of Finance for our client, a fast-growing tech consultancy, and the successful candidate will step into a pivotal role.

This position offers the chance to shape the financial future of a business that thrives on delivering high-value consulting services. As the financial linchpin, you will be instrumental in driving sustainable and scalable growth, providing crucial insights to support strategic decision-making, and ensuring the smooth financial operation of the company.

Why This Role Stands Out:

• Strategic Influence: Partner with the leadership team and Board to shape the company’s financial direction, supporting long-term planning, investment decisions, and commercial strategy.
• Autonomy & Impact: Operate independently within a lean finance function, with the opportunity to make significant contributions to both day-to-day operations and high-level strategy.
• Professional Growth: Join a small but ambitious business where your expertise will be highly valued, and your role will evolve as the company scales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Finance Function Ownership: Develop and manage the end-to-end finance function, ensuring a framework that supports growth.
• Management Reporting: Deliver timely and accurate financial data, KPIs, dashboards, and insights to the CEO, Leadership Team, and Board.
• Accounting Operations: Oversee all accounting activities, including general ledger, month-end close, journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Project Accounting & Commercial Support: Collaborate with project teams to maintain accurate project P&Ls, track time utilisation, and manage resource planning.
• Proposal Support & Pricing: Assist in the financial modelling of project proposals and bids, ensuring alignment with margin targets and pricing strategy.
• Revenue Recognition: Ensure correct treatment of revenue from consulting services in line with accounting standards.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management: Prepare cash flow forecasts and manage client invoicing cycles, banking relationships, and other treasury-related activities.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process, periodic reforecasts, and financial scenario planning.
• System Integration & Automation: Enhance integration between finance, project delivery, and CRM tools, enabling real-time insight.
• Statutory Reporting & Year-End: Liaise with external accountants and auditors for statutory accounts, year-end filing, tax, and R&D credit claims.
• Controls & Risk: Implement robust internal controls, risk management practices, and financial policies.
• Grant Funded Projects: Manage financial planning and claims for grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 5+ years’ experience in finance roles.
• Experience in a professional services or consulting environment is essential.
• Proven experience managing a standalone finance function in a fast-growing scale-up.
• Strong understanding of project accounting, revenue recognition, and financial audit.
• Proficient with Xero and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with financial automation and APIs.
• Strong working knowledge of UK financial and tax regulations, including R&D credits.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive, hands-on operator who enjoys variety and independence.
• Self-starter with excellent organisational skills and a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to see the bigger picture and contribute strategically.
• Clear communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Calm under pressure, with a high degree of resilience and a solutions-focused mindset.
• High integrity, dependable, and committed to the success of the wider team.

This role is perfect for a commercially astute financial professional ready to take on a central role in a thriving consultancy. If you have the expertise and drive to make a significant impact, this could be the next step in your career.