Head Of Finance

Axon Moore; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial recruitment firm in Preston is seeking a Head of Finance to lead financial analysis, management accounts preparation, and process improvements. The role offers a competitive salary of up to £60,000 and a flexible hybrid working model. Ideal candidates will have ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications and strong experience in financial roles. Benefits include 25 days of holiday, pension plan, and more.

Benefits

25 days holiday entitlement

Flexible holiday purchase option

Competitive pension plan

Life cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work initiative

Staff reward and recognition scheme

Qualifications

• Recognised professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) required.
• Experience in financial analysis and management accounting.
• Strong communication skills for auditor interactions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver management accounts on schedule.
• Lead reviews of aged debtors and creditors.
• Spot inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.
• Manage reconciliation and settlement of intercompany accounts.

Skills

Financial analysis

Management accounting

Variance analysis

Reconciliation

Process improvement

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification

Job description

Overview

Axon Moore are delighted to be partnering with a successful and long-standing business based in Preston to appoint a new Head of Finance. The role offers a competitive salary of up to £60,000, alongside the benefit of a flexible hybrid working model. Applicants should hold a recognised professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver management accounts on schedule, including variance analysis against budgets/forecasts, accruals, prepayments, and key P&L reconciliations.
• Complete and review balance sheet reconciliations in line with group deadlines, addressing and resolving issues promptly.
• Lead regular reviews of aged debtors and creditors, ensuring outstanding items are investigated and cleared efficiently.
• Assist in compiling a comprehensive and accurate management accounts pack.
• Analyse and explain major differences between actuals and budget/forecast results.
• Highlight potential risks and opportunities in the P&L and balance sheet that could impact future forecasts.
• Act as a point of contact for both internal and external auditors, ensuring information is accurate and provided on time.
• Handle queries promptly and provide effective resolutions.
• Spot inefficiencies in current processes and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to ad hoc initiatives aimed at streamlining processes.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of VAT and other statutory returns.
• Manage the reconciliation and settlement of intercompany accounts.
• Review and validate coding of purchase ledger invoices.

What you get in return

• 25 days holiday entitlement, rising to 28 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays
• Option to buy extra annual leave through a purchase scheme
• Competitive company pension plan
• Life cover provided
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for well-being support
• Cycle-to-work initiative
• Staff reward and recognition scheme

Our local Lancashire Axon Moore team recruit all accounting and finance roles from CFO to transactional finance on both a temporary and permanent basis. For more information about this role or our wider team, please contact George Oyston.