Head of Finance

Harper May is partnering with an established UK care provider operating a network of residential and nursing homes, with central operations based in Harrow. The business has grown steadily over many years through both organic development and selected acquisitions, and continues to invest in clinical standards, operational infrastructure, and the resident experience across its portfolio. With the wider business entering a period of further growth and consolidation, the leadership team is now strengthening the finance function and appointing a Head of Finance to take ownership of reporting, controls, and financial leadership across the group.

The Role
Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Head of Finance will own the day-to-day running of the finance function, lead a small in-house team, and partner with operational leaders across the home network. The role combines hands-on operational delivery with strategic finance support, focusing on a reliable month-end close, robust management information, and clear commercial insight to inform decision-making. There is genuine scope to shape the finance function over time as the group continues to scale.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the in-house finance team, setting standards across reporting, controls, and operational disciplineOwn the monthly close cycle and produce timely, decision-useful management accounts for the leadership teamStrengthen financial controls, governance, and reporting under UK GAAP (FRS 102)Partner with operations and senior leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysisDeliver clear KPI reporting and commercial insight covering occupancy, fees, agency spend, staff cost ratios and other care-sector driversManage the audit relationship and statutory filings across group entitiesSupport continued growth, including the financial integration of any new sites or acquisitions

What we are looking for

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience in a finance leadership rolePrior experience in care, healthcare, hospitality, or another multi-site operational businessStrong UK GAAP grounding, including current familiarity with FRS 102 and statutory reportingConfident leading a small finance team while also rolling up sleeves on month-end and reportingCommercial and operationally minded, comfortable presenting clearly to non-finance leadersBased within reasonable commute of Harrow, on-site presence expected