Head of Finance/ Financial Controller/ Finance Director

Summary: The Head of Finance is responsible for overseeing management accounting, financial reporting, group reporting, tax compliance, and process oversight within a large UK business focused on investment and growth. This role requires leading a team to ensure accurate financial performance monitoring, compliance with regulations, and effective communication with senior management and boards. The position is a 6-month contract based in Oxford, requiring two days in the office each week. The role offers a competitive daily rate of £300-350.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the team in delivering management accounting support across a range of legal entities and joint ventures.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets, explain significant variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support forward planning and budgeting for these entities, providing financial advice to senior management.
• Work with Company Secretaries to ensure Boards are fully informed on financial matters, including preparing papers and recommendations for Board approval.
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements for assigned entities.
• Coordinate audits, act as the main point of contact for auditors, and ensure timely resolution of any issues raised.
• Provide required financial data for group consolidation on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Make adjustments to align with relevant reporting standards and support reconciliation of intercompany balances.
• Ensure VAT submissions are accurate and submitted on time.
• Prepare draft corporation tax returns and liaise with tax teams for review.
• Monitor commercial activity for tax reporting accuracy and lead related communications and training.
• Ensure all responsible entities comply with internal financial regulations.
• Establish financial systems and processes for new legal entities and joint ventures.
• Oversee daily processing activities, review junior team members' work, and provide guidance and training as needed.

Key Skills:

• Strong management accounting and budgeting skills.
• Experience in financial reporting and compliance.
• Knowledge of tax regulations and VAT submissions.
• Ability to lead and mentor a finance team.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with senior management and boards.
• Proficiency in financial systems and processes.
• Experience in coordinating audits and financial statement preparation.

Salary (Rate): £350 daily

City: Oxford

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other