Head of Finance

Blue Banana Retail; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail company in Plymouth seeks a Head of Finance to establish a strong Finance & Accounting function. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day financial operations, prepare monthly management accounts, and lead KPI reporting. Candidates should be CIMA, ACCA, or ACA qualified with over 3 years PQE, possessing strong commercial experience and excellent communication skills for board-level interactions. This hands-on role requires effective financial strategy implementation and the ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualified with minimum 3 years PQE.
• First move from practice for individuals with experience of fast-growing SMEs.
• Experience in retail or multi-site operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including Billing and Accounts Payable.
• Prepare and publish all monthly Management Accounts.
• Create KPI reports and document business processes.

Skills

CIMA qualified

ACCA qualified

ACA qualified

3+ years PQE

Strong commercial experience

Excel skills

Communication skills for Board discussions

Tools

Sage

Job description

The Head of Finance will be responsible for adding structure and control to the financial activities of the business, whilst improving business information flow into the decision-making process. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will establish and develop a strong Finance & Accounting function, play a key leadership role within the business and have the potential to progress as the business grows.

Team

• Finance reports – 2 FTE Direct links with external Accountants Links and exposure to new senior leadership group – Managing Director, Operations & IT Director, Strategy Director, Fractional Finance Director (support and mentoring)

High Level Priorities

• Management of day-to-day accounting operations Development of month end process, including management accounts KPI and reporting developments

Detailed Role Requirements

• Managing all day-to-day accounting operations - includes Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting and Revenue Recognition.
• Coordinating the preparation of budget and financial forecasting and reporting any variances
• Preparing and publishing all monthly Management Accounts.
• Creating KPI reports (annual and monthly) which identifies results, trends and forecasts.
• Ensuring all transactions are recorded, filed and reported properly
• Making sure reporting meets compliant standards with statutory law and financial regulations
• Documenting business processes and accounting policies to maintain internal controls
• Streamlining and improving all operations and accounting systems.
• Coordinating the management of cashflows and financial headroom, including debt/capital structure’s.
• Supervising and managing financial department staff.
• Overseeing the audit process and liaising with external personnel (Accounting, Legal, Tax) were required Support the business with financial strategy and decision-making processes.
• Presenting Management Information (MI) and financial reports to board members, senior executives, and board members.

The Person

• Qualifications – CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualified, with minimum 3yrs + PQE
• May suit first move from practice for an individual with experience of fast-growing SME’s/OMB’s, or a Finance Manager with strong commercial experience who wants a move into the primary Finance role in an organisation.
• Experience of Retail businesses or other multi-site operations preferable (but not essential)
• Must be prepared to deliver operationally, the role is fairly ‘hands on’ in the initial phase and the right individual must possess communication skills suitable for Board level discussions.
• Understanding of accounts packages, knowledge of Sage is preferable (but not essential)
• Excel skills, including the ability to maintain and develop an integrated forecast model (P&L, BS & Cashflows) Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines