Head of Finance

Rutherford Briant; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious organisation in Ipswich is seeking a Head of Finance to drive financial operations and strategic insights. This senior role encompasses overseeing finance functions, managing a small team, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, while also developing key financial reports for stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, possessing strong financial reporting and leadership skills. With a competitive salary, holiday benefits, and professional development opportunities, this position holds significant influence within a respected local institution.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Company pension scheme

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with post-qualification experience.
• Strong background in financial reporting, forecasting, and operational finance.
• Confident people manager and team leader.
• Excellent organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Commercially minded and proactive in driving improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the finance function’s day-to-day operations.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts in accordance with FRS 102.
• Develop board-level financial reporting packs and provide analysis for senior stakeholders.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across the organisation.
• Oversee payroll, bookkeeping (via Xero), and contract billing processes.
• Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory requirements.
• Drive process improvements and enhance financial controls and systems.
• Lead on the year-end process, liaising with external advisors and auditors.
• Support strategic projects and act as a key finance partner to the wider business.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

People Management

Process Improvement

Education

ACA

ACCA

CIMA

Tools

Xero

Job description

Are you ready to step into a more senior finance role with real influence? Looking to join a prestigious organisation known across Suffolk and take the lead in driving financial operations and strategic insight?

We’re recruiting a Head of Finance on behalf of a highly respected and well-known brand based in Ipswich. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional looking to step up and make a lasting impact within a business that plays a key role in the region.

Reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the wider senior leadership team, you’ll lead the day-to-day finance function, manage a small team, and deliver robust financial reporting, budgeting, and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the finance function’s day-to-day operations.

Prepare accurate monthly management accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Develop board-level financial reporting packs and provide analysis for senior stakeholders.

Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across the organisation.

Oversee payroll, bookkeeping (via Xero), and contract billing processes.

Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory requirements.

Drive process improvements and enhance financial controls and systems.

Lead on the year-end process, liaising with external advisors and auditors.

Support strategic projects and act as a key finance partner to the wider business.

About You

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with post-qualification experience.

Strong background in financial reporting, forecasting, and operational finance.

Confident people manager and team leader.

Excellent organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.

Commercially minded and proactive in driving improvement.

Able to work from Ipswich and travel to London one day per week.

What’s in it for You?

Up to £65,000 salary

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Company pension scheme

The opportunity to join a highly regarded organisation with an influential local presence

Career development and the chance to work on high-impact projects

If you’re ready to step up into a leadership role within a respected Suffolk institution and bring your financial expertise to a business that values excellence and innovation, apply today!!!

Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics