Head of Finance

Job Role: Head of Financial Control
Location: Merthyr Tydfil or Cardiff
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per year
Contract: Permanent, full time
Working Environment: Office-based senior finance role
 
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and technically strong UK Head of Financial Control to lead the financial control function across multiple UK entities.
This senior leadership role is responsible for financial reporting, statutory compliance, financial controls, team management and the development of high-quality financial governance. You will oversee all aspects of month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, risk management and statutory requirements.
Working closely with senior UK leadership and group-level finance counterparts, you will ensure financial accuracy, strong control environments and a culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.
 
Key Responsibilities
Finance Leadership

• Lead and manage the UK finance function across all entities. - Line manage, develop and mentor members of the finance team. - Establish clear reporting standards, processes and control frameworks.

• Own the month-end close process across all UK entities. - Prepare consolidated monthly management accounts. - Produce board-ready reporting packs, financial commentary and insights. - Maintain general ledger accuracy and timely balance sheet reconciliations. - Strengthen internal financial controls and procedures. - Lead audit preparation and manage external audit relationships.

• Lead the annual budgeting cycle. - Produce forecasts, reforecasts and financial models to support decision-making. - Provide financial analysis to support operational and strategic planning. - Prepare financial information, budgets and analysis for tender submissions.

• Oversee statutory account preparation in compliance with UK GAAP. - Manage relationships with external accountants and tax advisers. - Ensure VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE submissions are accurate and timely. - Maintain statutory filings and compliance with Companies Act requirements.

• Lead rolling cash flow forecasting across UK entities. - Monitor working capital, liquidity and cash requirements. - Identify, escalate and mitigate financial risks.

• Improve financial processes, reporting efficiency and workflow automation. - Support integration of acquisitions into finance processes and systems. - Drive continuous improvements in reporting quality and operational efficiency.

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified. - Strong technical expertise in UK GAAP and statutory reporting. - Experience preparing or reviewing statutory accounts. - Experience managing external audits. - Experience working within a multi-entity finance environment. - Proven experience managing and developing finance teams. - Strong financial control, reporting and analytical skills. - Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline. - Right to work in the UK. - Willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

• Experience within education, training, charity or government-funded sectors. - Knowledge of Charities SORP.