Head of Finance

Ashley Kate are thrilled to be working with a well-established and highly regarded organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead its finance function and play a key role in strategic and commercial decision making. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative senior leadership team within a values-driven and growing business.

Reporting into senior leadership, the Head of Finance will take ownership of financial operations, reporting, compliance and business partnering across the organisation. The role combines hands‑on financial management with strategic input, offering broad exposure across commercial performance, operational delivery and long-term financial planning. You will also lead and develop a small finance team, ensuring robust processes, strong controls and high-quality financial insight that supports business growth.

• Oversee day‑to‑day financial operations and maintain strong financial controls
• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts and performance analysis
• Provide insightful reporting and commentary to support strategic decision-making
• Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital performance
• Oversee audit processes and liaise with external advisors

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and business planning processes
• Provide financial modelling and cost analysis to support growth and pricing strategies
• Partner with senior stakeholders to drive profitability and performance improvements
• Monitor organisational spend and identify cost efficiencies

• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax and regulatory requirements
• Oversee VAT, payroll and pension administration
• Support risk management, insurance and contractual compliance

• Oversee financial systems and ensure data integrity
• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes and internal controls
• Maintain asset registers, expense management systems and financial reporting tools

• Oversee cost structures, supplier agreements and financial commitments
• Support procurement and facilities teams with supplier negotiations and contract reviews

• Lead, mentor and develop junior finance team members
• Build strong relationships across operational and commercial departments
• Present financial insights clearly to senior leadership

You will ideally have:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
• Proven experience leading finance operations and reporting
• Strong commercial acumen and business partnering skills
• Experience managing audits, compliance and financial governance
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability
• Experience improving financial systems and processes
• Previous team management experience
• Experience with in operational, service‑led or education‑related environments
• Exposure to cost management and pricing strategy
• Experience working in fast‑paced or evolving organisations

Interested to find out more? Please reach out: amrit