Head of Finance

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Lucan; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Pension

Health insurance

Job summary

Hollybank Trustees Ltd in Ireland seeks a commercially minded Head of Finance to lead the full core finance function and join the Senior Management Team.

Reporting to the CFO/FD, you will oversee a multi-entity finance operation with 12+ staff, partner with senior stakeholders, and drive strategic planning, budgeting and reporting across the group.

This leadership role offers exposure to acquisitions, growth initiatives, and ongoing system improvements including ERP and MS 365.

Qualifications

• 8+ years post-qualification experience (ACA/ACCA)
• Experience leading a finance function and teams
• Experience in retail/distribution advantageous

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group Finance function across multiple entities
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning
• Partner with senior stakeholders on strategic decisions and performance
• Drive financial reporting, cash management and controls
• Support M&A activity and due diligence when required

Skills

Strategic leadership

Commercial mindset

Team management

Multi-entity / multi-currency

Communication skills

Financial partnering

Education

ACA/ACCA qualification

Tools

ERP systems (Business Central)

MS 365

Job description

Location: Hybrid / Lucan, Co. Dublin, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Finance
Salary: Negotiable salary

About the job:

Job Title: Head of Finance - Future CFO

Sector: Retail and Distribution Sector with €350 m + turnover

Salary: Dependent on experience; plus Bonus, Pension & Health

We are a growth oriented, leading sector Retail and Distribution Group, with operations across Ireland and the UK.

As part of a planned leadership transition and to support our continued growth and expansion strategy, we are seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance who will join the Senior Management Team to lead the full core finance function and play a key role in the next stage of the company's growth journey.

Key factors are:

• Min of c. 8 years post qualification experience, as ACA or ACCA.
• Core Management of Finance Function
• Retail and Distribution experience a major advantage
• Oversight of cash management and daily reconciliations
• Key technical accounts experience and systems understanding
• Experience of ERP, and MS 365 (Business Central) is a major advantage
• Partner weekly reporting of sales analysis and commercial reports
• Managing a full team of 12+ accounts staff over trading entities
• Experience of mergers & acquisitions and due diligence is also preferred
• This role includes ad-hoc projects and daily interaction with the ELT
• Must have excellent communication skills

Why should you apply?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a fast-paced and ambitious business in a senior management role with genuine progression potential.

Reporting into the CFO / Finance Director and daily interaction with the executive leadership team, you will take ownership of the finance function while partnering closely with senior stakeholders across the business to support strategic decision-making.

The successful candidate will broaden their remit beyond financial control and link across commercial aspects of the business.

You will also gain further valuable exposure to acquisitions, strategic growth initiatives and the preparation for future corporate events and acquisitions, making this an excellent career-defining opportunity.

This role forms part of the Group's long-term finance function succession / development plans and the successful candidate will work closely with the CFO & Executive Leadership Team with the objective of developing into the Group CFO position over time, subject to performance and business requirements.

Who should apply?

• This opportunity will suit an experienced finance professional currently operating as a Head of Finance, Group Financial Controller or Senior Financial Controller who is looking to take the next step in their career.
• Qualified Accountant with strong technical accounting and financial reporting expertise, including Audit and Banking relationship management.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership and influence strategic decisions.
• Experience working within a multi-entity, multi-currency environment.
• Background in a PE-backed or similarly fast-paced business would be highly advantageous.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to build, develop and motivate the finance team.
• Resilient, hands-on and comfortable operating in a dynamic, evolving business environment.

Role and Reporting Lines

• Reporting directly to the CFO / FD and the Executive Leadership Team, on a daily basis, you will lead the Group Finance function and manage an international finance team while partnering closely with commercial and operational stakeholders across the business.
• Financial Leadership – Lead all aspects of financial reporting, cash & accounting control and finance operations across the Group.
• Commercial Business Partnering – be involved with the Executive Leadership Team on strategic planning, investment decisions and business performance.
• Planning & Analysis – Own the budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning processes while providing meaningful commercial insights.
• Financial Control – Maintain a robust financial control environment across five trading entities, in Ireland and the UK and may lead to other international jurisdictions.
• Tax & Compliance – Liaise on tax compliance and practical tax matters across the business with the CFO and tax advisors. Tax experience is a distinct advantage.
• Leadership – Build, mentor and develop a global finance team of approximately 15 people.
• Continuous Improvement – Drive automation, systems improvements and looking at AI-enabled initiatives to enhance finance processes and decision-making.
• Strategic Projects – Support M&A activity, Board reporting and future private equity preparations.
• Some travel involved.