Head of Finance

Head of Finance

SME / Owner-Managed Group

Outskirts of Hertford | 70,000–£80,000 + benefits | Office-based 5 days

StormX Recruitment is partnering with a long-established, multi-disciplinary group operating across agriculture, civil engineering and property. The business has grown significantly in recent years and now requires a hands-on, commercially minded Head of Finance to take ownership of day-to-day financial control and reporting across multiple entities.

Reporting to a Fractional CFO and the Directors, this role suits someone who thrives in an SME environment, enjoys rolling up their sleeves, and has the confidence to lead a small team while staying close to the detail.

You’ll oversee month-end, management reporting, cash flow, budgeting, year-end and compliance, while driving improvements across systems, processes and controls.

The ideal candidate is tech-savvy, comfortable with Xero and advanced Excel, and able to use automation and AI tools to streamline reporting and reduce manual work.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close and produce accurate management accounts and board packs
• Manage group reporting, consolidations and intercompany
• Own cash flow forecasting and working capital
• Deliver annual budgets and reforecasts, including margin analysis
• Oversee year-end, audit, VAT, CIS and payroll sign-off
• Drive process improvement using Xero, Excel, automation and AI
• Manage and develop the finance team
• Support Directors with strategic and ad-hoc finance projects
• Liaise with external accountants on tax planning, R&D, capital allowances and family/shareholder matters

Required Attributes

• Fully qualified ACA / ACCA / CIMA
• Strong SME or owner-managed background
• Proven experience in management accounts, cash flow and budgeting
• Hands-on, detail-driven and comfortable working at pace
• Confident communicator able to explain financials to non-finance stakeholders
• Tech-savvy with examples of process automation or improvement
• Desirable: multi-entity experience, construction/agriculture exposure, tax relief knowledge

What’s on Offer

• A pivotal role in a growing, diverse business
• Close collaboration with the Fractional CFO and Directors
• Genuine progression to lead the full finance function
• A supportive, family-run culture where your impact is visible