Head of Finance

Harper May is partnering with a profitable, growing, PE-backed technology business based in south-west London. The group operates across a multi-company structure serving regulated UK B2B markets, has grown rapidly through a mix of strong organic performance and selective acquisitions, and is now embarking on the next phase of scale under new institutional ownership. A Head of Finance is being appointed to run the group finance function day to day, partner closely with the current CFO, and be developed as the longer-term CFO successor.

The Role
Reporting to the CFO, the Head of Finance will take hands-on ownership of the group finance function across the operating entities, lead consolidated reporting, FP&A and controls, and act as the finance lead on the group's post-deal priorities. The role suits a fully qualified, fast-trajectory accountant currently reporting into a CFO or FD, who is ready to step into a true number-two seat with a clear path to CFO over the next 12 to 24 months.

Key Responsibilities

Own the monthly group close and consolidated management accounts across multiple trading entitiesDeliver monthly reporting to the PE sponsor and quarterly covenant reporting to the group's lenderLead FP&A - annual budget, rolling forecast, 13-week cash flow, and clear budget vs forecast vs actual commentary for the boardPartner with the CFO on the post-deal value creation plan and investor reportingLead the integration of acquired businesses onto a single group accounting platformOversee statutory reporting, the group audit and tax compliance across the operating entitiesOwn cost control, cash management and working capital across the groupManage, develop and build out the group finance team across multiple sitesDeputise for the CFO at board and committee level as the role grows

What we are looking for

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)Currently reporting into a CFO or FD in a group environment, on a clear upward trajectoryHands-on experience of group consolidation across multiple trading entitiesPrior exposure to PE sponsor reporting and bank covenant reporting is strongly preferredStrong FP&A with the ability to explain variances crisply at board levelExperience of bringing multiple companies onto a single accounting platform is a plusHands-on team leader, comfortable owning the detail and the strategic picture in parallelBased within a comfortable commute of south-west London; office-first initially moving to hybrid