Head of Finance - #2150331

My client, a well-known Liverpool institution, are looking for a Head of Finance to join their Central Liverpool head office.

This senior leadership role offers you the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the finance function, working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, Directors, Senior Leadership Team and Board.

You will be responsible for ensuring decisions are supported by timely, accurate and insightful management information, robust financial analysis and constructive challenge.

The role encompasses financial planning and performance, commercial finance, statutory and regulatory compliance, technical accounting, balance sheet management and the continued development of a strong financial control environment.

You will lead both the Finance Business Partnering team and the Financial Accounting team, supporting longer-term financial planning and organisational transition readiness.

What you'll do:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the finance function, ensuring financial planning, performance management and reporting are delivered accurately and on time.
• Produce clear, concise and high-quality management information and reporting papers for Directors, Board members and Shareholders, highlighting performance trends, risks, opportunities and required decisions.
• Provide proactive support and advice to the Chief Financial Officer, while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver sound financial leadership for major business projects and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain effective relationships with Group Finance teams to ensure all information provided is complete, accurate, timely and consistently presented to a high standard.
• Act as the principal finance contact for the Senior Leadership Team by offering authoritative advice, constructive challenge and clear financial insight to keep departmental plans aligned with strategic objectives.
• Serve as the financial conscience of the organisation by maintaining oversight of significant projects and encouraging efficient practices that protect shareholder value and reputation.
• Build effective relationships with key external stakeholders such as auditors, banks, clients and shareholder groups to promote best practice, influence policy where appropriate and support long-term commitments.
• Lead an efficient external audit process as the main point of contact for Audit Partners and Senior Managers.
• Oversee technical accounting matters across the business including preparation of statutory financial statements with all required disclosures for approval and submission.
• Deputise for the CFO when required by presenting financial performance, risks and recommendations at Board meetings and contributing actively to Director-level discussions.

What you bring:

• Substantial senior leadership experience in finance roles with responsibility for leading sizeable teams.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience operating as a trusted deputy to executive finance leads.
• Excellent communication skills enabling you to build strong relationships across all levels.
• Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders through credible financial insight coupled with clear communication.
• Proven track record implementing change including system improvements, cost efficiencies or technology innovation within finance functions.
• Extensive commercial finance experience complemented by strong technical accounting knowledge allowing you to translate complex matters into actionable insights.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while prioritising tasks to meet key deliverables in challenging environments.
• Strong team management skills including delegation abilities that develop others within your team to achieve their career goals.
• Experience leading efficient external audits as main point of contact for audit partners or senior managers.
• Commitment to personal/professional development alongside proactive engagement with colleagues at all levels.
• Able to commence employment in the next 6 weeks, on a 12 month FTC.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates