Head of Finance

Head of Finance

£70,000 - £75,000 a year - Full-time
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Office based position, with free parking on-site
Hybrid working (1 day per week) available after 3-6 months

Our client on the outskirts of Colchester are seeking a Head of Finance to join the senior team at a very exciting time for the business.

The Head of Finance will provide strategic and operational leadership of the finance function, ensuring the business remains financially robust, commercially focused and well governed. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director and operational leaders to shape strategy, support sustainable growth and provide financial insight.

Key duties:

* Develop and deliver the financial strategy, aligned to corporate objectives and long-term business plans
* Provide strategic financial advice to the Chief Executive, Managing Director, Board and Senior Leadership Team
* Lead financial modelling and scenario planning to support growth, investment and service development
* Monitor developments within the adult social care sector and advise on the financial impact of changes in commissioning, funding and regulation
* Lead the annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processes
* Develop and lead an annual strategy for fee uplifts, using financial analysis, market intelligence and bench-marking to support negotiations with local authorities, NHS commissioners and other funding bodies
* Produce accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts, cash flow projections and performance analysis
* Monitor financial performance, identifying emerging risks and opportunities
* Work with operational managers to improve budget management and financial accountability
* Prepare high-quality financial reports, forecasts and business cases for the Board
* Present complex financial information clearly to support informed decision-making
* Support the Board in meeting its governance responsibilities through robust financial reporting, assurance and risk management
* Lead the financial appraisal, modelling and due diligence of acquisitions, mergers and new services
* Work with external advisers throughout acquisition processes.
* Support post-acquisition integration, ensuring effective financial controls, reporting and performance monitoring
* Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, accounting standards and regulatory obligations
* Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and manage the external audit process
* Oversee tax, VAT, payroll and statutory reporting requirements
* Monitor occupancy, staffing costs, agency spend and service profitability
* Oversee cash flow, working capital and banking arrangements
* Ensure effective debtor management and income collection
* Lead the development of finance systems, reporting and internal processes
* Promote automation and technology to improve efficiency and reporting capability
* Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture

Candidate requirements:

* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA). Can consider QBE
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role
* Adult social care, healthcare or another regulated sector would be a strong advantage
* Experience reporting to Boards or Trustees and presenting strategic financial information
* Strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, statutory reporting and financial control
* Experience managing external audit and regulatory compliance
* Financial modelling, business planning and commercial decision support
* Experience supporting acquisitions, organisational growth or major business change
* Experience leading and developing finance teams

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.