Strategic Finance Leader | Growth & Governance

Our client is a local service provider who is going through a restructure and are now looking to introduce a Head of Finance to the department. This role is office based in Southend-On-Sea but could be flexible for the right candidate.

This is to oversee a team of 7 and handle acquisitions, onboarding and the general strategy for the department to report up to the board.

The ideal candidate is fully qualified with several years of experience in a similar role.

Main Purpose of the Role

• Act as the senior finance lead, ensuring the organisation’s financial position is effectively monitored, reported, and that risks and opportunities are identified promptly.
• Lead and coordinate the preparation of the annual statutory accounts.
• Support the development of the business plan and translate strategic objectives into a clear financial plan for service delivery.
• Manage the finance team to ensure effective financial operations, including managed accounts and payroll services delivered in line with contractual requirements.
• Work closely with senior leadership to embed strong financial management, governance, and commercial awareness across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly financial monitoring across the organisation and any associated subsidiary entities, reporting budget variances and providing analysis of key drivers.
• Prepare financial reports for senior leadership and board-level meetings, including presenting financial performance information.
• Maintain and update the annual financial business plan, reflecting emerging opportunities, service changes, and identified risks.
• Provide financial input into service development, contractual arrangements, and operational changes, ensuring financial implications are fully assessed.
• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Prepare statutory financial statements, including profit and loss accounts and balance sheets.
• Undertake financial modelling for current operations and future business opportunities, ensuring robust assessment of risks and opportunities.
• Support business growth initiatives, including development of new services, income streams, and commercial opportunities.
• Provide financial input into tender submissions and business proposals.
• Support the establishment and financial governance of subsidiary entities where required.
• Oversee finance systems and ensure effective coordination of back-office financial processes, including cash management, VAT, and banking processes.
• Lead the production and submission of year-end accounts, including audit preparation and statutory filings.
• Act as the main point of contact for external auditors and coordinate the annual external audit process.
• Develop and oversee internal audit processes and act as a key liaison for internal assurance activities.
• Continuously review and improve financial reporting, controls, and systems.
• Ensure financial procedures, policies, and governance frameworks remain current and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Coordinate required statutory and regulatory reporting.
• Build effective working relationships with commissioners, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Develop a financial infrastructure that supports ongoing growth and commercial development.
• Support implementation and oversight of payroll-related financial services.
• Contribute to the overall strategic aims of the organisation and uphold its values and behaviours.

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