Head of Finance

Harper May is currently partnering with a dynamic, high-growth FMCG business seeking a strategic and operationally-minded Head of Finance. Operating in a fast-paced, consumer-driven environment, this organisation is focused on maturing its financial reporting, tightening cost controls, and providing the fiscal roadmap for continued domestic and international expansion.

The Role

The Head of Finance will take full ownership of the day-to-day leadership of the finance function. You will be responsible for ensuring flawless reporting, robust financial planning, and the implementation of rigorous controls across the business.

Acting as a key advisor to the senior leadership team, you will bridge the gap between financial operations and commercial strategy, ensuring that every decision is backed by accurate data and commercial insight. This is a hands-on leadership position for a professional who thrives in a nimble, evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Departmental Leadership: Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous development.

• Financial Reporting: Deliver comprehensive and timely monthly management accounts, providing the "story" behind the numbers to the board.

• FP&A & Strategy: Drive the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning cycles to support ambitious growth targets.

• Commercial Optimisation: Monitor cash flow and working capital while identifying opportunities to improve margins and operational efficiency.

• Cost Control: Champion rigorous cost-management initiatives and provide detailed analysis on promotional spend and supply chain costs.

• Controls & Compliance: Maintain a robust control environment in line with UK accounting standards and oversee the statutory year-end and audit processes.

• Systems Evolution: Proactively enhance finance systems, automation, and reporting capabilities to scale with the business.

• Stakeholder Partnership: Act as a commercial partner to sales, marketing, and operations to drive profitability and informed decision-making.

Candidate Profile

• Qualifications: Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified.

• Experience: Proven track record as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller, or similar leadership role within the FMCG, Retail, or Consumer Goods sectors.

• Technical Breadth: A strong foundation in both technical financial reporting and commercial "value-add" finance.

• Commercial Acumen: Expertise in margin analysis, cost-to-serve, and supporting operational performance in a low-margin/high-volume environment.

• Leadership: A natural leader with the ability to manage, inspire, and grow a multi-disciplinary finance team.

• Adaptability: A proactive mindset with the resilience to navigate a fast-paced, evolving business landscape.