Head of Finance

Robert Walters UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation based in Milton Keynes is looking for a Head of Finance to lead financial operations across all UK entities. This pivotal role requires experience in statutory reporting and internal controls, alongside strong analytical and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will possess a qualified accountant status and experience managing complex financial operations. The organisation promotes inclusivity and ongoing professional development for its employees.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years post-qualification experience in accounting or finance roles.
• At least three years' experience in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Comprehensive understanding of US GAAP, UK GAAP, IFRS, and tax management.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations across all UK entities.
• Enhance accounting functions and maintain strong financial controls.
• Oversee statutory reporting and coordinate audits.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Interpersonal skills

Technical proficiency with ERP systems

Microsoft tools for data analysis

Leadership in change management

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA)

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Finance to join a well-established organisation based in Milton Keynes, offering a competitive salary of up to £85,000. This pivotal role is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative and supportive environment, where your expertise will be valued and your professional growth encouraged. The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that celebrates teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous development.

What you\'ll do

As Head of Finance based in Milton Keynes, you will be entrusted with leading the financial operations across all UK entities. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve partnering with senior leadership to enhance accounting functions, maintain strong financial controls, oversee statutory reporting, manage cash flow strategies, supervise banking activities, coordinate audits, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on process improvements. Success in this role requires an ability to foster teamwork among direct reports while cultivating positive relationships with stakeholders regionally. You will also play an instrumental part in supporting tax management activities, developing personnel through ongoing training initiatives, and ensuring compliance with environmental health and safety policies. Your commitment to process excellence will help drive continuous improvement throughout the finance department.

• Partner closely with the Financial Controller to lead the UK accounting control function, driving evolution of capabilities while building and maintaining robust internal controls over accounting and financial reporting.
• Oversee the production of annual statutory accounts in line with UK GAAP (FRS 102) as well as other regional reporting requirements for branch locations.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings including local consolidations.
• Review general ledger balances by providing detailed analysis of journal entries, account reconciliations, and data completeness to ensure accuracy.
• Coordinate intercompany accounting processes including eliminations and reconciliations across multiple entities.
• Manage cash flow by optimising cash balances to meet organisational needs while balancing customer, supplier, and parent company requirements for optimal working capital.
• Supervise banking processes for all UK entities and branches to ensure efficient operations.
• Work collaboratively with Operations teams to guarantee accurate stock and inventory accounting procedures are followed.
• Act as key liaison for external auditors by overseeing audit processes from the company side to ensure smooth resolution of issues through completion.

What you bring

The ideal candidate for the Head of Finance position will bring proven experience in managing complex financial operations within multinational environments. Your background should include significant exposure to statutory reporting under both UK GAAP (FRS 102) and US GAAP frameworks as well as hands-on involvement in tax management activities. You will possess exceptional analytical abilities combined with strong interpersonal skills that enable you to build trustful relationships across departments. Experience leading teams through change management initiatives is essential; your empathetic approach will encourage buy-in from stakeholders while championing process improvements. Advanced technical proficiency with ERP systems like Oracle is required along with expert-level skills using Microsoft tools for data analysis. Your commitment to nurturing talent through ongoing training programmes will help develop high-performing teams dedicated to achieving organisational goals.

• Qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) with at least five years post-qualification experience in accounting or finance roles.
• Minimum three years\' experience in a leadership or managerial capacity within finance or accounting functions.
• Proven track record of analysing complex accounting methods and evaluating internal control systems effectively.
• Comprehensive understanding of US GAAP (FRS 102), UK GAAP, IFRS standards, SOX requirements, VAT regulations, and corporate tax management practices.
• Experience managing external audits including preparation of statutory financial statements for multiple entities under local GAAP guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to create a culture of continuous improvement through innovation while building credibility with diverse audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills enabling effective influence across various functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an inquisitive mindset capable of working collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders at all levels.
• Change management experience including encouraging stakeholder buy-in during process transformation initiatives.

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