Overview
The Interim Head of Finance will play a crucial role in guiding an established professional services SME through a period of financial transformation in anticipation of a potential transaction. Reporting directly to the Board, this hands-on leadership position focuses on enhancing financial reporting, optimizing cash generation, and establishing essential practices to support operational and transactional objectives. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive financial management and readiness for a possible exit.
Responsibilities
- Oversee financial management, reporting, controls, and day-to-day finance operations.
- Analyze profitability, margins, operating costs, and key performance drivers to identify improvement opportunities.
- Support EBITDA normalization, quality of earnings analysis, financial due diligence, and transaction readiness.
- Develop budgets, rolling forecasts, and financial models to improve planning and commercial visibility.
- Enhance monthly management information (MI) and Board reporting, delivering actionable commercial insights.
- Strengthen cash flow forecasting, debtor management, and working capital efficiency.
- Improve financial processes, systems, and controls to ensure reliable reporting.
- Partner with the Board, operational leaders, and external advisers on commercial decisions and transaction planning.
Requirements
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA-qualified finance leader with experience at Head of Finance or Finance Director level.
- Strong background in professional services, consultancy, or similar commercially driven businesses.
- Experience within SME, entrepreneurial, or investor-backed environments.
- Previous involvement in transaction preparation, financial due diligence, or business exits.
- Strong commercial finance, FP&A, and financial control capabilities.
- Proven ability to improve reporting, forecasting, cash management, and profitability analysis.
- Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on, working directly with the Board.