Head Of Finance

The CFO HQ; St. Neots; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The CFO HQ is seeking a Head of Finance in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. This hands-on role leads the finance function across a growing investment group, reporting to the founders, with ownership of accounting, month-end closes, VAT, payroll, and compliance in a multi-entity setting.

You will drive planning and analysis, deliver monthly management packs, shape budgets and cash flow, and support live acquisitions and post-acquisition integration.

Qualifications

• Senior finance experience in investment, private equity, or multi-entity groups.
• Strong experience with month-end closes, VAT, payroll and statutory accounts.
• Proven ability to build budgets, forecasts and cash flow models.

Responsibilities

• Own the finance function end-to-end, including books, close processes, and compliance.
• Produce monthly management packs with commentary for founders.
• Lead VAT, payroll processing and external audits.
• Develop budgets, rolling forecasts and cash flow models.
• Support financial due diligence, deal structuring and post-acquisition integration.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins and cash flow across the portfolio.

Skills

Financial control

Forecasting

Cash flow modeling

Month-end close

M&A due diligence

Intercompany accounting

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Xero

Job description

Job Post# Head Of FinanceAccounting / Finance,Head of FinanceOctober 30, 2026Permanent### Job Description* Permanent* PE19, Saint Neots, Cambridgeshire* Posted 4 hours ago* £60,000 – £70,000 per annumWebsite**CV-Library**Head of FinanceLocation: St Neots, Cambridgeshire | Hybrid / Office-basedSalary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annumRole Type: Full-time, Permanent### The RoleYour Recruitment Coach is looking for an experienced Head of Finance for their client based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.This is an exciting, hands-on role at the heart of a fast-growing investment business. As the Head of Finance, you will fully own and run the finance function end-to-end, managing everything from core accounting and month-end closes to supporting live acquisitions, investments, and commercial decisions.You will get real ownership, direct access to the founders, and a seat close to every major decision made. On a day-to-day basis, you will work closely with the Directors, supporting finance workflows across a diverse portfolio of businesses.Key Responsibilities for the Head of FinanceCore Accounting & Financial ControlMaintain accurate books and records in Xero across the group of entities, including bookkeeping, bank/balance sheet reconciliations, and intercompany transactions.Own the month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals, and prepayments.Manage VAT returns, oversee payroll processing, and liaise with external accountants/auditors on statutory accounts and tax compliance.Establish and maintain strong financial controls, approvals, and policies tailored to a growing investment firm.Reporting, Forecasting & Management InformationProduce timely, high-quality monthly management packs featuring clear commercial commentary for the founders.Build and maintain robust budgets, rolling forecasts, and cash flow models.Manage day-to-day banking and cash management to ensure total visibility of the group's cash position.Develop consistent performance reporting models for portfolio investments.Systems, Automation & Data QualityReview and continuously improve finance processes to eliminate manual work and tighten internal controls.Optimize the use of Xero and its connected ecosystem, introducing automation where it adds value.Guarantee that the underlying financial data driving strategic decisions is accurate, consistent, and trusted.Acquisitions, Investments & Strategic ProjectsSupport the business on financial due diligence, valuation modeling, deal structuring, and completion accounts.Lead the financial integration of new investments, setting up their reporting structures and controls post-acquisition.Prepare clear financial analysis and papers for lenders, investment partners, and internal decisions.Commercial PerformanceProactively identify opportunities to improve profit margins, cash flow, and operational efficiency across the group.Challenge strategic assumptions and translate raw numbers into actionable business insights.Act as the trusted finance partner for the founders and increasingly for the portfolio management teams.What You Need (Requirements)Experience: Proven track record in a senior finance role (e.g., Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or Head of Finance), ideally within an investment, private equity, or multi-entity group environment.Systems: Advanced proficiency with Xero and its integrated automation applications.Technical Skills: Strong background in full month-end ownership, corporate tax/VAT compliance, and building complex forecasting/cash flow models.M&A Exposure: Experience supporting financial due diligence, deal structuring, or post-acquisition integration is highly desirable.Attributes: A hands-on, commercial mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and communicate insights directly to founders and stakeholders