Back to jobs

    Head of Finance

    Accounting
    First City Recruitment Ltd
    Essex, Chelmsford
    Permanent
    Competitive
    On-Site

    Job Description

    Are you an ACCA/ICAEW qualified finance leader ready to shape the financial future of a fast-growing global events business? This £15m-turnover organisation is expanding rapidly and now requires a commercially minded Head of Finance to lead the accounting function as they approach audit threshold.

    This is a high-impact role where you'll combine hands-on financial management with strategic decision-making, supporting the Founder & CEO and acting as a key ambassador across international defence events.

    What you'll be doing

    • Lead and develop the finance function, including line management of a growing team

    • Deliver financial updates to senior stakeholders and external partners

    • Oversee month-end, year-end and UK VAT reconciliations

    • Manage payroll and ensure full compliance with FRS standards

    • Conduct internal audits across income, costs, VAT and bank reconciliations

    • Implement new financial systems, policies and software solutions

    • Support external audit preparation as the business scales

    • Represent the company at domestic and international events What you'll need

    • ACCA / ICAEW qualified (CIMA/ACA desirable)

    • Strong Xero and Microsoft Office experience

    • Proven experience with external audit and internal audit processes

    • Ability to lead, coach and develop a finance team

    • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, commercial mindset

    • Resilient, adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

    • Interest in defence, maritime or armed forces sectors is a bonus Why join?

    • Competitive salary

    • 28 days holiday + two additional weeks off every December

    • Regular team socials and international travel opportunities

    • Professional, supportive environment with genuine progression

    • A business with a strong track record of promoting from within Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm (Office-based)

    If you're a driven finance professional looking to step into a strategic leadership role within a growing global organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now.

    Posted on August 12, 2026

    Similar Jobs

    Explore similar searches

    Browse more roles related to Head of Finance.

    Hyra

    Join the Hyra Community

    Get weekly career insights, job alerts, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox.

    Weekly updatesUnsubscribe anytimePrivacy guaranteed