Head of finance

BBP Engage Recruitment Ltd are working with an impressive, family run SME in Kent who are experiencing sustained organic growth and are seeking to appoint a high calibre Head of Finance to head up the finance function and act as a key member of their senior management team. Candidates may currently hold an FD position or may be in a Finance Manager or Controller role but with the drive, passion and credibility to take the next step into a number one finance role. The role requires the individual to be hands on and into the detail but support the business in taking the next step in their business goals strategically and commercially.

This is a strong business partnering position and will act as a key member of the cross functional senior management team and is very much business facing. Reporting into and closely supporting the MD, the Finance Director will manage the finance and administration team, ensure the smooth running of the finance function and drive and influence business strategy and the delivery of key goals and growth objectives. In addition, this individual needs to embrace technological advances and adopt a continuous improvement approach, to achieve business goals. This is such an exciting opportunity for an experienced FD or a driven and ambitious individual working their way up and wanting to make a difference in a small and growing business.

Managing and motivating the team, key areas of responsibility will include:

Review and advise on financial performance and position of the company including delivery of the annual plan and 5-year strategy
Provide commercial input into the senior leadership team through a combination of analytical review and sound business acumen
Able to evaluate existing projects, WIP and costing and implications of new projects
Co-ordinate the budgeting and forecasting process, reviewing both budgets and forecasts regularly, ensuring any variances are investigated
Highlighting and evaluating risks and opportunities
Regular ad-hoc analysis of KPI’s and performance, to include evaluation of profitability of current and future projects in order to formulate business strategy
Production of management accounts and financial analysis ensuring month end reporting is delivered in the required timeframes
Review financial processes and make changes to create efficiency savings whilst also improving internal control environment
Ensure Company Systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth, including potential systems implementation
Monitor the cashflow needs of the business and oversee the treasury function
Overseeing all transactional activity, including purchase ledger, sales ledger and credit control
Statutory returns including HMRC, Companies House, VAT returns etc.
Liaison with external accountants, bankers and legal advisors
Hands on role in several finance functions including payroll, project accounting and some company secretarial duties
Advising and supporting operational management teams with their financial performance

Formally qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
Current experience in an FD or FC/FM role in an SME and prepared to be ‘hands on’
Commercially astute, goal orientated individual who can bring with them experience and a passion for adding value and contributing to the strategic and commercial aspects of a business
Strong business partnering and communicate skills with the ability to develop strong relationships cross functionally
Ambition, drive and the ability to question the numbers and make changes will be essential
A strong manager, who is diplomatic and has a genuine interest in developing and supporting the team
Must possess the confidence and gravitas to communicate with Senior Management and clients and push back and challenge others where appropriate