Head of Finance

SF Partners are recruiting a hands-on Head of Finance / Finance Manager for an SME service business seeking greater financial oversight, stronger controls and clear advice for its leadership team.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of finance and make a visible difference to how the business operates. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will establish a clear picture of financial performance, improve day-to-day processes and ensure decisions are supported by accurate information.

The business needs someone confident enough to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions and follow issues through to resolution. You will combine sound financial judgement with a practical approach, remaining comfortable working in the detail.

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day finance function, ensuring financial records are accurate, complete and up to date.

• Give the leadership team a clear understanding of profitability, cash flow, financial commitments and emerging risks.

• Own the monthly management accounts, providing straightforward commentary on performance and the actions required.

• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital, improving visibility over receipts, payments and future funding requirements.

• Review billing, credit control and supplier payment processes, addressing weaknesses and improving accountability.

• Develop budgets and forecasts with operational managers, challenging assumptions and monitoring delivery.

• Strengthen balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and approval procedures.

• Review costs and service profitability, identifying opportunities to reduce waste and improve margins.

• Manage the relationship with external accountants, scrutinising their work and ensuring the business receives timely, appropriate support.

• Coordinate year-end information and oversee statutory and tax deadlines alongside external advisers.

• Improve the use of Xero and associated systems, reducing manual work and making reporting more reliable.

• Build financial understanding across the business, helping managers take responsibility for budgets and spending.

You could be an experienced Finance Manager ready for broader ownership, or an established Head of Finance who enjoys a hands-on SME environment.

You will bring:

• Experience taking ownership of finance within an SME, ideally in a service business.

• Strong management accounting, cash flow forecasting and financial control skills.

• The ability to move between detailed accounting work and wider commercial discussions.

• Confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and external advisers constructively, supported by evidence.

• A track record of improving processes, resolving financial issues and delivering measurable results.

• Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain financial matters to non-finance colleagues.

• Strong Excel skills and experience using Xero or a comparable accounting system.