Posted 24 July, 2026
Head of Finance
First City Recruitment Ltd
Chelmsford, ENG, GB
Full Time
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.
\nThis 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\n- \n
- Lead and develop the finance function, including line management of a growing team \n
- Deliver financial updates to senior stakeholders and external partners \n
- Oversee month-end, year-end and UK VAT reconciliations \n
- Manage payroll and ensure full compliance with FRS standards \n
- Conduct internal audits across income, costs, VAT and bank reconciliations \n
- Implement new financial systems, policies and software solutions \n
- Support external audit preparation as the business scales \n
- Represent the company at domestic and international events \n
- \n
- ACCA / ICAEW qualified (CIMA/ACA desirable) \n
- Strong Xero and Microsoft Office experience \n
- Proven experience with external audit and internal audit processes \n
- Ability to lead, coach and develop a finance team \n
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, commercial mindset \n
- Resilient, adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment \n
- Interest in defence, maritime or armed forces sectors is a bonus \n
- \n
- Competitive salary + excellent bonus schemes \n
- 28 days holiday + two additional weeks off every December \n
- Regular team socials and international travel opportunities \n
- Professional, supportive environment with genuine progression \n
- A business with a strong track record of promoting from within \n
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm (Office-based)
\nIf 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.
