Head of Finance / Finance Manager

Rutherford Briant; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing financial services company in Chelmsford is seeking a talented Head of Finance to oversee financial management and support business growth. The ideal candidate is a qualified finance professional with experience in a similar role within an SME environment. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape the future of the business in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Supportive, entrepreneurial environment

Opportunity for genuine influence in business decisions

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a broad finance role, ideally within an SME environment.
• Strong technical accounting skills and a proactive approach.
• Ability to work closely with non-finance colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of financial management including budgeting and forecasting.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
• Drive process improvements and systems development.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

Overview

I am exclusively recruiting for a privately-owned SME based in Chelmsford, Essex, and we’re looking for a talented and driven Head of Finance / Finance Manager to join the leadership team. This is a hands-on, broad finance role, ideal for someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is excited to play a key part in supporting the future growth of the business. As a growing company, we need a finance leader who can provide both day-to-day financial management and strategic input, ensuring the business continues to scale effectively and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and reporting.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts, KPIs, and financial analysis for the senior leadership team.
• Manage financial controls, compliance, and statutory reporting (including liaising with external accountants/auditors).
• Support strategic decision-making by providing insightful analysis and commercial recommendations.
• Drive process improvements, systems development, and efficiencies across finance and operations.
• Lead on payroll, VAT, and other regulatory requirements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Partner with the owners and management team to evaluate growth initiatives, and long-term planning.

About You

• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with demonstrable experience in a similar broad finance role, ideally within an SME environment.
• Commercially minded with the ability to get into the detail whilst also contributing strategically.
• Strong technical accounting skills, combined with a proactive, “hands-on” approach.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work closely with non-finance colleagues.
• Ambitious, adaptable, and excited by the opportunity to make a real impact in a growing business.

What They Offer

• A varied and rewarding role with genuine influence over the direction of the business.
• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive, entrepreneurial environment with long-term growth potential.

If you are a finance professional looking for a role where you can roll up your sleeves, take ownership, and shape the future of a growing SME, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note that this is a fully office-based role in Chelmsford, Essex. 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.