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Head of Finance (High‑Growth, International Recruitment Firm)
Location: Manchester City Centre (hybrid/flexible working)
Reports To: Managing Director / CEO
About the Organisation
An ambitious, tech-enabled recruitment group specializing in executive search within cybersecurity and related sectors. Based in Manchester with global reach (including expanding into North America and EMEA/APJ), the firm is experiencing rapid growth and international expansion plans.
Role Overview
Seeking a hands-on, strategic finance leader to build and scale a robust finance function. This core role will support international expansion, drive financial strategy, and ensure operational financial excellence across global markets. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) comfortable with both big-picture financial planning and detailed execution.
Key Responsibilities
* Financial Strategy & Leadership
* Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning, and cash flow management aligned with high-growth and international expansion objectives.
* Provide insightful financial analytics, models, and reports to guide the leadership team’s strategic decisions.
* Operational & Hands‑On Execution
* Oversee day-to-day finance operations: transactional processing, month-end close, P&L reporting, and governance. Refine and implement scalable accounting processes and controls
* Ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., EMEA, APJ, US) and manage relationships with external advisors (audit, tax, banking)
* International Expansion Support
* Establish financial systems, processes, and controls for new international markets.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Talent, Leadership) to embed financial best practices into expansion plans.
* Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team. Instill best practices, encourage innovation, and drive ownership for financial excellence
Preferred Qualifications & Profile
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
* Proven experience in fast-paced, high-growth, or scale‑up environments—preferred exposure to recruitment, professional services, or PE/VC‑backed businesses
* Demonstrated track record of building finance functions from the ground up, ideally in environments with international operations.
* Skilled at balancing strategic planning with operational execution—comfortable “rolling up sleeves.”
* Strong communication and stakeholder management—able to influence non-finance leadership with clarity.
* Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel; experience implementing scalable reporting tools or ERPs is valued.
What’s On Offer
* A pivotal leadership role within an entrepreneurial, high-trust environment—with real autonomy, ownership, and visibility.
* The opportunity to shape and scale the finance function alongside rapid international growth.
* Career progression potential toward Finance Director as the organisation scales further.
* Competitive salary (reflective of London/Manchester scale for high-growth roles), potentially supplemented by bonus or equity packages.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Finance
* Industries
Executive Search Services
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