Recruiting now
| Posted: | 27/01/26 | |
| Recruiter: | Vitae Financial Recruitment | |
| Reference: | 3063147291 | |
| Type: | Permanent | |
| Salary: | £80,000 - £100,000 Annual | |
| Location: | Royston, Hertfordshire | |
| Description: | Head of Finance / Finance Director (No.1 Finance Role - SME) Near Royston, Hertfordshire Ideally 5 days office-based (1-day WFH considered) Circa 85,000 - 100,000 (Depending on experience) The Opportunity: We are seeking a Full Qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) hands-on, operationally focused Head of Finance / Finance Director to take full ownership of the day-to-day financial management of a growing and stable UK SME. This is a true No.1 finance role, reporting directly to the Managing Director and leading a small finance team of two (this role plus an Assistant Accountant). The emphasis of the position is on financial control, compliance, reporting and accuracy, with strategic and commercial input forming a secondary, but important part of the role. This opportunity will suit someone who is comfortable being close to the detail, does not require hand-holding, and enjoys owning everything from posting journals and managing payroll through to producing robust management information for decision-making. The Role: You will have end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, ensuring that the fundamentals are delivered consistently, accurately and on time. Payroll is a non-negotiable requirement. Alongside the Managing Director, you will be one of only two people responsible for payroll, so hands-on payroll experience is essential. This is a deliberately hands-on role, where day-to-day financial management, controls and compliance come first. Key responsibilities include: Full ownership of the UK finance function, operating within a small team of two Day-to-day financial management, including journals, reconciliations and month-end close Hands-on responsibility for payroll (essential requirement) Ensuring strong financial controls, compliance and statutory reporting Producing accurate and timely monthly management accounts Managing cash flow, working capital and credit control Ownership of VAT (UK & Ireland), pensions, insurance and statutory submissions Managing the annual audit and relationships with auditors, banks and advisors Producing regular sales, stock and operational reporting, including weekly reporting where required Budgeting and forecasting to support planning and control Providing clear, reliable financial information to support the Managing Director's decision-making Driving incremental improvements in processes, reporting and controls Strategic, commercial and analytical support, including scenario analysis and business planning will naturally follow from having robust, right-first-time financial data. Systems: Experience working with Financial ERP systems, developing reporting capabilities and automation Sage experience would be advantageous, but not essential Interest in continually improving systems, reporting and processes over time Team & Culture: Small, supportive and collaborative environment Office-based role with a strong preference for being present and engaged Culture of trust, autonomy and accountability Clear respect for work-life balance, no expectation of working outside normal hours MD is hands-off and non-micromanaging, relying on accurate data to run the business This role will form a key member of the Senior Leadership team alongside the Managing Director, Sales Director and Marketing Director. About You: You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with experience operating as the senior or No.1 finance professional within an SME or similarly hands-on environment. You are likely to bring: Proven experience owning the day-to-day finance function end to end Strong technical accounting and statutory reporting capability Hands-on delivery of management accounts, budgeting and forecasting Payroll experience (essential) Solid cash flow, working capital and credit control experience A practical, detail-oriented and dependable working style Confidence operating autonomously and partnering with a Managing Director A collaborative approach suited to a small team environment Experience within consumer goods, retail, wholesale or B2C environments (advantageous but not essential) An interest in systems and continuous improvement Ideally available on a notice period of no more than three months, with one month strongly preferred Why Join?: Genuine No.1 finance role with full ownership and accountability Hands-on position with real responsibility and visibility Stable, profitable business with strong financial fundamentals Trusted working relationship with the Managing Director Small, supportive team and down-to-earth culture Long-term opportunity within a growing business AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration | |