Head of Finance

Harper May is collaborating with a prestigious banking group renowned for its innovative financial services and commitment to excellence. With a focus on governance, value creation, and client-centric operations, this organisation has solidified its standing as a leader in the banking industry. They are seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead their financial management and strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the financial strategy to support strategic planning, optimise capital allocation, and guide investment decisions.
• Lead and manage the finance team, ensuring high performance, career development, and adherence to best practices.
• Provide timely and accurate financial information and insights to the CEO, board, and senior management for effective decision-making.
• Ensure the integrity and compliance of financial reporting, including the preparation of management accounts, statutory accounts, and regulatory reports.
• Oversee the annual budget setting process and monitor performance against budgets to ensure resource efficiency.
• Manage corporate tax and VAT compliance, including the accurate accounting and review of the Partial Exemption Special Method (PESM).
• Represent the organisation at external meetings and events, fostering excellent relationships with external stakeholders.
• Drive process improvements by reviewing and updating finance policies, procedures, and systems.
• Provide oversight for Accounts Payable and ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices.
• Lead and manage financial control projects and oversee the New Product Approval (NPA) process.
• Prepare financial statements, statutory accounts, and ensure seamless collaboration with auditors for the year-end statutory audit.
• Deliver reports to the parent organisation and ensure alignment with group requirements.
• Analyse expenditure to ensure alignment with restricted and unrestricted income streams.
• Provide input into key regulatory processes such as stress tests, ICAAP, ILAAP, and RRP reports.
• Participate as a member of ALCO, contributing to asset and liability management decisions.
• Produce briefing papers, reports, and documentation for senior managers and board committees.
• Manage major institutional projects and provide strategic financial guidance for new initiatives.

Qualifications/Skills:

• CIMA, CIPFA, or equivalent professional accountancy qualification (full or part).
• Extensive experience in a finance environment at a senior management level.
• In-depth knowledge of UK financial regulations and governance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to manage complex financial data.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrable ability to manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible and solution-focused with a positive work ethic.
• Proven commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.