Head of Finance

HEAD OF FINANCE | SME RETAIL BUSINESS

South West London

4 Days in office | Flexi Hours | Parking on site & Trains

£competitive + benefits

We're working with an established and growing consumer/retail business that is looking for an experienced Head of Finance to take ownership of its finance function and play a key role in its next stage of growth.

This is a genuine SME finance leadership role where you will be close to the detail, close to the commercial decisions and have the opportunity to make a visible difference.

The business has strong foundations and an exciting growth opportunity, but finance now needs to evolve with it. Processes need strengthening, reporting needs to become more accurate and commercially useful, and the business needs better financial insight around stock, margin, working capital and performance.

The role

You'll take ownership of the finance function as the Head of Finance to lead the team whilst working closely with the senior leadership team and wider commercial business.

You will:

• Lead and develop the finance team, creating greater structure, accountability and ownership.

• Strengthen financial controls, processes and reporting.

• Improve the accuracy and timeliness of management information.

• Own budgeting, forecasting, month-end and financial reporting.

• Develop finance into a genuinely commercial business partner.

• Work closely with Buying, Merchandising, Retail, E-commerce and Operations.

• Improve visibility and decision-making around stock, margin and working capital.

• Identify what isn't working and lead practical improvements through to delivery.

• Support the business through its continued growth and development.

What we're looking for

This role would suit an experienced, hands-on finance leader from a retail, consumer, FMCG, wholesale or similarly operational industry environment.

You'll ideally be someone who has:

• Operated at Head of Finance / Financial Controller / Senior Finance Manager level within an SME, division or entrepreneurial environment.

• A strong technical finance and financial control background.

• Excellent commercial finance and business partnering experience.

• Strong understanding of stock, margin and working capital.

• Led and developed finance teams.

• Proven examples of coming into a business or function, identifying what needed fixing and delivering measurable improvements.

• The confidence to challenge, influence and work directly with senior stakeholders.

• A hands-on, pragmatic approach - happy to get into the detail when required.

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity for someone who really understands SMEs and enjoys having genuine ownership.

You won't be joining to simply maintain an established finance function. You'll have the opportunity to shape it, improve it and leave it materially stronger , whilst becoming a key commercial partner to a growing consumer business.

If you're a finance leader who enjoys getting stuck in, fixing things and seeing the impact of your work, we'd love to hear from you.

BH37208