Head Of Finance

Head of Finance

* Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire | Hybrid / Office-based

* Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum

* Role Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Role

Your Recruitment Coach is looking for an experienced Head of Finance for their client based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

This is an exciting, hands-on role at the heart of a fast-growing investment business. As the Head of Finance, you will fully own and run the finance function end-to-end, managing everything from core accounting and month-end closes to supporting live acquisitions, investments, and commercial decisions.

You will get real ownership, direct access to the founders, and a seat close to every major decision made. On a day-to-day basis, you will work closely with the Directors, supporting finance workflows across a diverse portfolio of businesses.

Key Responsibilities for the Head of Finance

Core Accounting & Financial Control

* Maintain accurate books and records in Xero across the group of entities, including bookkeeping, bank/balance sheet reconciliations, and intercompany transactions.

* Own the month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals, and prepayments.

* Manage VAT returns, oversee payroll processing, and liaise with external accountants/auditors on statutory accounts and tax compliance.

* Establish and maintain strong financial controls, approvals, and policies tailored to a growing investment firm.

Reporting, Forecasting & Management Information

* Produce timely, high-quality monthly management packs featuring clear commercial commentary for the founders.

* Build and maintain robust budgets, rolling forecasts, and cash flow models.

* Manage day-to-day banking and cash management to ensure total visibility of the group's cash position.

* Develop consistent performance reporting models for portfolio investments.

Systems, Automation & Data Quality

* Review and continuously improve finance processes to eliminate manual work and tighten internal controls.

* Optimize the use of Xero and its connected ecosystem, introducing automation where it adds value.

* Guarantee that the underlying financial data driving strategic decisions is accurate, consistent, and trusted.

Acquisitions, Investments & Strategic Projects

* Support the business on financial due diligence, valuation modeling, deal structuring, and completion accounts.

* Lead the financial integration of new investments, setting up their reporting structures and controls post-acquisition.

* Prepare clear financial analysis and papers for lenders, investment partners, and internal decisions.

Commercial Performance

* Proactively identify opportunities to improve profit margins, cash flow, and operational efficiency across the group.

* Challenge strategic assumptions and translate raw numbers into actionable business insights.

* Act as the trusted finance partner for the founders and increasingly for the portfolio management teams.

What You Need (Requirements)

* Experience: Proven track record in a senior finance role (e.g., Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or Head of Finance), ideally within an investment, private equity, or multi-entity group environment.

* Systems: Advanced proficiency with Xero and its integrated automation applications.

* Technical Skills: Strong background in full month-end ownership, corporate tax/VAT compliance, and building complex forecasting/cash flow models.

* M&A Exposure: Experience supporting financial due diligence, deal structuring, or post-acquisition integration is highly desirable.

* Attributes: A hands-on, commercial mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and communicate insights directly to founders and stakeholders
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed