Head of Finance

Head of Finance (#1 in Finance) Manchester (hybrid) £85,000 + bonus

We are seeking a dynamic, well-rounded Head of Finance to lead the financial function of a growing multi-site business. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering broad exposure across all areas of finance while playing a key part in shaping the company’s strategic direction. There is a clear, realistic view of this role progressing to Finance Director and sitting on the board.

Managing a small team, you will manage stakeholder relationships across the business, ensure robust financial control, support commercial decision-making, and drive profitability across project-based operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on finance leader who thrives in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s accounting function, including oversight of the central finance team.
• Implement new processes, automation and working methods to drive efficiency and add commercial value.
• Prepare and monitor financial targets and budgets aligned with board-level strategy.
• Take overall responsibility for financial reporting, controls, and statutory compliance, including audit processes.
• Provide strategic input on corporate finance matters such as capital structure, funding, taxation, and debt management.
• Deliver timely and insightful monthly management accounts and annual financial statements to the Directors.
• Monitor business performance against budgets and provide clear, actionable financial analysis.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory financial requirements.
• Act as Company Secretary, fulfilling associated responsibilities.
• Partner with operational teams to support project performance, profitability, and commercial decision-making.
• Manage credit control processes, including oversight of debt recovery where required.
• Oversee transactional finance teams including potential automation.
• Liaise with external auditors and professional advisors.

Key Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Proven rounded finance leadership experience, ideally in a multi-site environment, with the ability to ‘roll your sleeves up’ where necessary.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and non-financial teams.
• Experience operating within a growing SME or mid-sized organisation.
• Understanding of project accounting principles including revenue recognition.
• Background in supporting business growth, scaling, or ownership transitions.
• Commercially astute with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
• Confident communicator with strong influencing skills.
• Able to balance hands-on delivery with strategic oversight.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical mindset.

Why This Role?

This is an autonomous #1 in finance role, where you can shape the accounting function within a growing, profitable business. You can drive initiatives around systems, automation, process improvements and provision of MI to aid commercial decision making. You will join high-impact leadership role within a growing consultancy, where you will play a key part in shaping financial strategy and supporting sustainable business growth.

This business is passionate about employee welfare and satisfaction, operates from impressive Manchester offices with a high degree of flexibility, and is known for development and progression of its team.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates