Head Of Finance

Wade Macdonald; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is seeking a Head of Finance / Financial Controller in Slough on a hybrid basis (3 days in the office). The role leads financial accounting, reporting, tax compliance and governance across a multi-entity group with a £500m turnover.

You will drive financial controls, mentor a high‑performing team, and partner with senior stakeholders to deliver accurate reporting and strategic financial insight. The role offers clear progression to an FD within 18 months and a bonus package.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with extensive senior leadership experience in financial reporting, governance and teams.
• Strong IFRS/FRS 102 knowledge and tax/compliance expertise.
• Experience with SAP and BI tools, and driving finance transformation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial accounting, reporting and payroll teams across multi-entity structure.
• Oversee month-end, year-end, statutory reporting and corporate tax calculations.
• Manage external audits and liaise with auditors and tax advisers.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on leasing, revenue recognition, consolidations and provisions.
• Drive internal controls, policy implementation and financial governance.
• Coordinate annual budgeting, forecasts and consolidation across entities.
• Support senior leadership with strategic financial insights and performance metrics.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder management

IFRS knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Chartered Accountant (ACCA/ICAEW/CIMA)

Tools

SAP

Business Intelligence

Job description

Head of Finance / Financial Controller

Location: Slough, Berkshire - Hybrid 3 days in the office

Salary: £90,000-£100,000 Plus Bonus and benefits

About the Client

Our client is a well-established and well known, £500 mil t/o global organisation operating within the Manufacturing and logistics sector, with a strong market presence and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. This is an excellent opportunity for a Head of Finance / Financial Controller who is keen to step up into an FD role in 18 months time.

About the Job

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced qualified Head of Finance to join a successful organisation, reporting directly to the Finance Director. This senior leadership position will take ownership of financial accounting, statutory reporting, tax compliance and financial governance across a complex, multi-entity business.

You will play a pivotal role in strengthening financial controls, leading a high-performing team and providing valuable financial insight to support commercial decision-making. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will ensure financial reporting is accurate, compliant and delivered efficiently, whilst driving improvements across the wider finance function.

Duties will include:

• Leading and developing the financial accounting, transactional finance and payroll teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Taking responsibility for monthly financial reporting, year-end accounts and corporate tax calculations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant requirements.
• Managing the external audit process from planning through to completion, building effective relationships with auditors and tax advisers.
• Providing technical accounting expertise across IFRS and FRS 102, particularly in relation to leasing arrangements, revenue recognition, asset valuations and financial provisions.
• Overseeing financial governance, ensuring appropriate controls, accounting policies and procedures are consistently applied across the organisation.
• Leading the annual financial planning cycle, coordinating budgets and forecasts across multiple business areas and presenting consolidated information to senior leadership.
• Supporting financial reporting across multiple entities, including group submissions, intercompany accounting and consolidation requirements.
• Working closely with operational finance teams to improve reporting accuracy, strengthen financial processes and ensure key deadlines are achieved.
• Developing meaningful financial performance measures to improve visibility, support decision-making and identify opportunities for greater efficiency.
• Building strong relationships with group finance colleagues and wider business stakeholders to ensure alignment of financial reporting and strategic objectives.
• Supporting the Finance Director with commercial initiatives, strategic projects and ongoing improvements to financial systems and processes.

About the Successful Applicant

You will be a fully qualified accountant with substantial senior-level experience in financial reporting, governance and team leadership within a complex, multi-entity organisation. Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, FRS 102, lease accounting, taxation and consolidations is essential. Commercially astute and confident influencing senior stakeholders, you will combine excellent communication skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience with SAP, business intelligence tools and finance transformation projects would be advantageous.

What You Will Receive in Return

This is an excellent opportunity to secure a senior leadership position within a well-established organisation offering significant responsibility, visibility and the opportunity to influence financial performance.

You will work closely with the Finance Director and senior leadership team, gaining exposure to strategic decision-making whilst playing a key role in shaping the future direction of the finance function. We are looking for this role to succeed the current Finance Director in 18-24 months time.

With a supportive and collaborative culture, opportunities to develop and mentor talented colleagues, and the autonomy to drive meaningful improvements, this role offers an attractive next step for an ambitious finance leader seeking a challenging and rewarding position.