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Head of Finance – London – Leading Global Cosmetics Company**
Our client, a fast-growing global cosmetics company with offices in West London, are thrilled to present an exciting opportunity for a Head of Finance to lead their expanding finance team.
Specification – Finance Leadership Position
Purpose of the role is to lead, inspire and oversee an established finance function, supporting and fostering company growth. The individual will collaborate closely with the Managing Director to steer business operations in the UK and EMEA, serving as the primary liaison with the group company.
This Finance Leadership position entails comprehensive responsibilities spanning finance and accounting functions, including commercial finance, business partnering, manufacturing, project costing, management and financial accounting, treasury operations, and budgeting and forecasting. Reporting to the Managing Director and Group CFO, the role encompasses overseeing the finance function, leading a team of professionals handling various financial processes.
Compensation and Benefits:
- £70,000 – £80,000+ based on level of experience and application
- Bonus scheme – 10%
- Standard pension contributions (5% employer, 3% employee).
- Holiday entitlement (25 days plus public bank holidays).
- Discount scheme on products and treatments.
- Product allowances.
- Flexible Working:
- Expectation to be in the Head Office 3 days per week.
Key Responsibilities;
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Manage production of statutory and monthly management accounts (standalone and consolidated).
- Coordinate the financial audit process, including organising visits and compiling year-end files.
- Oversee annual budget and forecasting processes, presenting to the Managing Director/Group CFO.
- Supervise sales forecasts and results, collaborating with the sales team and operations.
- Define, optimise, and monitor budget objectives for P&Ls, including profitability, stocks, inventory, and structure.
- Analyse and recommend actions to maximize profitability by products, groups, and ranges.
- Manage cash flow, produce monthly forecasts, and enhance cash receipts.
- Minimise foreign exchange risk and provide ad hoc analysis to leadership.
Accounting
- Coordinate the finance team’s month-end activities and review progress.
- Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and nominal ledgers to ensure data accuracy.
- Collaborate with Head of Operations to ensure accuracy of sales, cost of goods, and stock in Sage.
- Lead implementation of procedures to strengthen internal control.
- Improve and develop existing internal processes for reporting.
Payroll/Tax
- Supervise payroll and ensure process efficiency.
- Support Head of HR in maintaining and developing reports and KPIs.
- Provide staff commissions to Head of HR.
- Ensure UK and US tax compliance with local Chartered Accountant, reviewing VAT/tax reconciliation quarterly.
Business Partnering
- Collaborate with the sales team to ensure compliance with customer commercial terms.
- Work with Operations to reduce and optimise logistics costs.
- Collaborate with E-commerce Manager to implement the connector between the website and Sage.
External Stakeholders
- Liaise with lawyers on trading and commercial topics
- Serve as the key contact for banks, insurers, auditors, and outsourced IT and payroll services.
Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of(Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable).
- Create a customer-focused function within finance, ensuring timely service to other departments.
- Set objectives, review progress, and enhance team skills and confidence.
- Cultivate a shared vision for the team.
Skills
- 5 years post-qualification experience in finance, preferably in Beauty, Personal Care, FMCG, Consumer Goods, Luxury Brands, Manufacturing or Retailing.
- Experience across multiple finance disciplines.
- Aspiration to lead and build an outstanding Finance function.
- CIMA, ACA, or ACCA qualification essential.
- Essential experience with SAGE 200.
- Ability to lead and inspire a finance team.
Apply Now
If you like the sound of this role, please go ahead and apply now via LinkedIn or alternatively email your CV directly to [email protected]
