Head of Finance / Finance Director

Are you a strategic and hands-on finance leader looking to take the next step in your career? Our client, a large and successful privately owned business headquartered in Chelmsford, Essex, is seeking a dynamic Head of Finance / Finance Director to join their senior leadership team.

This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to shape the financial strategy and operations of a growth-oriented company with a strong market presence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Partner with the Board and Owners to define and execute the company’s long-term financial strategy, supporting sustainable growth and profitability.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Oversee robust budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling processes to provide actionable insights and support decision-making across the business.
• Reporting & Compliance: Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, in line with statutory and management requirements.
• Cash Flow & Treasury Management: Lead cash flow forecasting and treasury functions to maintain financial stability and support operational needs.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Drive improvements in financial systems, controls, and processes to increase efficiency, scalability, and accuracy.
• Risk & Governance: Ensure strong financial controls and risk management frameworks are in place, maintaining compliance with regulatory obligations and internal policies.
• Business Partnering: Work closely with operational and commercial teams to support key projects, business cases, and performance analysis.

Candidate Profile:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within a privately owned or entrepreneurial environment
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence at Board level
• Hands-on and adaptable, with excellent communication and leadership skills
• Track record of driving change, delivering improvements, and supporting business growth

Why Join?

• Join a successful company with a strong reputation in its sector
• Be a key member of the senior leadership team with real influence over strategy and direction
• Opportunity to shape the future of the finance function in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment

Please note that this is a fully office-based role in Chelmsford, Essex.

Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.