Head of Commercial Finance

Not every commercial finance leadership role is created equal.Some roles focus on producing the numbers. Others focus on explaining the numbers. This opportunity is about influencing what happens next.Gifford & Partners are partnering with a highly successful, rapidly expanding organisation that continues to invest significantly in its people, systems and infrastructure. Operating within a fast-paced, service-led environment, the business has established a market-leading reputation and is entering an exciting period of continued growth and transformation.As a result, an outstanding opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially astute finance leader to join the organisation as Head of Commercial Finance.This is a highly visible position where you will sit at the heart of strategic decision-making, partnering with senior stakeholders to improve performance, influence commercial outcomes and drive the financial strategy of a complex and evolving business.About the roleLeading a high-performing commercial finance function, you will provide meaningful insight and challenge to the senior leadership team, translating financial data into actionable recommendations that support growth, profitability and operational excellence.You will lead, coach and develop a team of 40 commercially focused finance professionals, creating a culture of curiosity, accountability and continuous improvement.This is a broad leadership role combining commercial finance, business partnering, performance analysis and strategic influence, with the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the organisation.Key responsibilities will include:Acting as a strategic business partner to senior operational and executive stakeholdersProviding robust commercial insight around revenue, margin, performance drivers and strategic initiativesLeading budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning activitiesDelivering insightful KPI reporting, trend analysis and recommendations to improve business performanceSupporting commercial decision-making, investment appraisals and growth initiativesDriving improvements in reporting, systems, processes and the use of data and technologySupporting wider business strategy and organisational transformationWhat you can expect in return:A genuine opportunity to influence business strategy and commercial directionHigh levels of visibility and exposure to senior leadershipThe chance to join a successful and ambitious organisation with significant growth plansA broad and impactful role offering long-term career progressionA collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking leadership teamHybrid working environmentAbout youWe are keen to speak with qualified accountants (ACA, ACCA, ACMA or equivalent) who can demonstrate a combination of strong commercial acumen, analytical capability and the ability to influence at senior levels.You will likely bring:A proven background in commercial finance, FP&A or strategic business partneringExperience leading and developing finance teamsStrong capability in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and performance analysisThe ability to convert complex financial information into clear commercial recommendationsExperience influencing senior stakeholders and challenging decision-making constructivelyA track record of driving performance improvement and identifying commercial opportunitiesExperience operating within a fast-paced, multi-site, service-led or complex organisationCandidates currently operating as Head of Commercial Finance, Head of FP&A, Senior Finance Business Partner, Commercial Finance Director, Commercial Finance Manager, Head of Business Partnering or a commercially focused Head of Finance are likely to be of particular interest.TPBN1_UKTJ