JOB PROFILE
What Is a Head of Finance?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What is a Head of Finance?
- What are the responsibilities of a Head of Finance?
- What qualifications does a Head of Finance need?
- What is the average salary of a Head of Finance?
- Who employs a Head of Finance?
- What skills does a Head of Finance need?
- Where the latest Head of Finance jobs are how to apply for them.
What Is a Head of Finance?
A Head of Finance is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing an organisation's entire financial function. This role entails strategic financial planning, budget management, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
A Head of Finance typically collaborates with executive management, offering financial insights to inform decision-making and shape the organisation's financial strategy. They play a vital role in optimising financial performance, managing risks, and ensuring the long-term financial stability and success of the organisation.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Head of Finance?
A Head of Finance shoulders a position of paramount significance within an organisation, tasked with a broad spectrum of responsibilities that collectively shape the financial health and strategic direction of the entity. At the core of their role is strategic financial planning, involving the development and execution of financial strategies that align with the organisation's goals and objectives.
They lead the budgeting process, meticulously crafting budgets, and financial forecasts that guide resource allocation and financial decision-making. Financial reporting is a fundamental aspect, as Heads of Finance oversee the preparation of comprehensive financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
Managing financial risks is central, involving the identification and mitigation of financial vulnerabilities to safeguard the organisation's fiscal stability. Their purview extends to financial compliance, ensuring adherence to financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax laws, while also interfacing with auditors and regulatory authorities.
Heads of Finance collaborate closely with executive management, providing financial insights and recommendations that inform strategic decisions. They oversee financial operations, managing treasury functions, cash flow, and investments to optimise financial performance.
Moreover, Heads of Finance are responsible for building and leading finance teams, fostering a culture of excellence, and nurturing talent. They stay attuned to evolving financial trends and technologies, leveraging financial software and tools to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
While working as a Head of Finance, you will be required to:
- Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives.
- Lead the budgeting process, creating and managing budgets and financial forecasts to guide resource allocation and decision-making.
- Oversee the preparation of comprehensive financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Identify and mitigate financial risks to safeguard the organisation's fiscal stability and optimise financial performance.
- Ensure adherence to financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax laws, interfacing with auditors and regulatory authorities.
- Collaborate closely with executive management, providing financial insights and recommendations that inform strategic decisions.
- Manage treasury functions, cash flow, and investments to optimise financial operations.
- Build and lead finance teams, fostering a culture of excellence, and nurturing talent.
- Stay updated with financial trends and technologies, leveraging financial software and tools for enhanced efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Does a Head of Finance Need?
A Head of Finance typically possesses a robust educational background and extensive professional qualifications to excel in this pivotal leadership role. This includes at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field, often complemented by a master's degree such as an MBA.
Professional certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) are commonly held and highly regarded, showcasing advanced expertise in finance and accounting.
Heads of Finance are expected to have a substantial track record of leadership and strategic decision-making in financial roles, typically accumulating 7-10 years or more of progressively responsible experience.
An in-depth understanding of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and ethical standards is crucial to ensure legal and ethical financial practices.
What Is the Average Salary of a Head of Finance?
On average a Head of Finance in the UK could earn an average salary ranging from £50,000 to well over £100,000 per year.
However, this can vary widely based on factors such as the size and type of the organisation, the level of responsibility, the location, and the individual's qualifications and experience.
Who Employs a Head of Finance?
The majority of Head of Finance jobs are found across diverse industries and sectors including large corporations, financial institutions, manufacturing companies, technology firms and startups.
Within the public sector, government agencies, healthcare organisations, educational institutions, and nonprofit entities also require financial leaders to manage budgets, financial compliance, and fiscal sustainability.
Consulting firms, accounting agencies, and financial advisory firms often hire experienced Heads of Finance to provide expertise and guidance to a wide range of clients.
What Skills Does a Head of Finance Need?
To excel as a Head of Finance, they must possess a comprehensive skill set encompassing financial expertise, strategic thinking, leadership, and effective communication.
Financial acumen is paramount, involving a deep understanding of financial principles, including financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. They must possess the ability to dissect complex financial data, identify trends, and provide critical insights.
Strategic thinking is essential, as Heads of Finance must align financial strategies with the organisation's overarching goals and objectives.
Strong leadership skills are crucial for managing finance teams, fostering collaboration, and guiding them toward achieving financial objectives. A profound knowledge of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and tax laws is necessary to ensure legal adherence and minimise financial risks.
Effective communication, both written and verbal, is indispensable for conveying complex financial information to diverse stakeholders, including non-financial teams and executive leadership.
Problem-solving capabilities empower them to address financial challenges and propose innovative solutions. Team management and mentorship experience help build high-performing finance teams.
Key skills of a Head of Finance include:
- Financial acumen - A deep understanding of financial principles, including financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting, is paramount. They must be able to dissect complex financial data and provide insights.
- Strategic thinking - The ability to think strategically and align financial strategies with the organisation's overarching goals and objectives is essential.
- Leadership - Strong leadership skills are crucial for effectively managing finance teams, fostering collaboration, and guiding them toward achieving financial goals.
- Regulatory compliance - A thorough knowledge of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and tax laws to ensure legal adherence and minimise financial risks.
- Financial forecasting - Proficiency in financial forecasting and modelling to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Communication - Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders, including non-financial teams and executive leadership.
- Problem-solving - The capacity to identify financial challenges, propose innovative solutions, and adapt to changing financial landscapes.
- Team management - Experience in team management, mentorship, and talent development to build high-performing finance teams.
Accountancy & Finance Insights.
Searching for Your Next Head of Finance Job?
If you're searching for your next career opportunity, why not take a look at all the latest Head of Finance jobs available now?
We work with hundreds of accountancy practices and private sector businesses throughout the UK so why not get in contact with one of our specialists who can advise on current and upcoming opportunities?
Meet The Accountancy & Finance Team.
Upload CV
If you're searching for your next Head of Finance job, why not upload your CV?
Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant and they will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.