About this role
This contract Head of Finance role in Biggleswade reports directly to the CEO and takes ownership of the day-to-day finance function, combining hands-on financial management with commercial insight to support business decisions. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and budget holders, you will ensure accurate reporting, robust financial controls and effective cash-flow management, with support from a Credit Control and Purchase Ledger Manager within your direct team. You will bring significant experience in a senior finance role, with strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and month-end experience, proven cash-flow and working-capital management skills, and a strong understanding of VAT, HMRC requirements and financial controls.
Job Description
Head of Finance
Contract: Full-time, 6-12-month FTC - Maternity cover
Location: Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Salary: £70,000 - £75,000
Hybrid: 3 days in the office / 2 days WFH
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm; Friday, 9am-4pm
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Head of Finance to join an established premium consumer brand.
You'll join a passionate, dedicated team in beautiful offices, with a welcoming culture and support from a Credit Control and Purchase Ledger Manager within your direct team.
About the role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, combining hands-on financial management with commercial insight to support business decisions.
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and budget holders, you'll ensure accurate reporting, robust financial controls and effective cash-flow management.
Key responsibilities
* Prepare and oversee monthly management accounts, month-end and year-end reporting.
* Manage budgets and forecasts, investigate variances and provide recommendations to budget holders.
* Oversee cash flow, working capital and supplier payments.
* Manage foreign currency requirements, including USD and RMB, and support forward currency purchases.
* Oversee monthly payroll, ensuring accurate records and timely payroll and PAYE payments.
* Oversee VAT returns and payments, resolve queries and meet statutory deadlines.
* Maintain financial controls, accounting records and the fixed asset register.
* Oversee purchase and sales ledgers, customer invoicing and credit control.
* Work with overseas suppliers and the China office, resolving invoice and stock-receipt discrepancies.
* Provide financial insight at leadership and wider business meetings.
About you
You'll bring significant experience in a senior finance role, such as Head of Finance, Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Management Accountant.
You'll also have:
* Strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and month-end experience.
* Proven cash-flow and working-capital management skills.
* Experience overseeing payroll, purchase and sales ledgers, and credit control.
* A strong understanding of VAT, HMRC requirements and financial controls.
* Strong Excel and accounting-system skills.
* A commercially minded, proactive approach, with the confidence to take ownership and manage competing deadlines.
* Excellent attention to detail and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
Experience within a stock-based, manufacturing, distribution or product-led business would be advantageous, alongside exposure to international suppliers, foreign currency and stock valuation.
An accounting qualification or part-qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, AAT or equivalent) is desirable.
To find out more or apply, please contact
TJEXE