Head of Finance

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to join a growing pharmaceutical business based in Watford.

This is a key leadership role with responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day finance function and ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and effective cash management. The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting the wider business through high-quality financial insight, analysis and strategic advice.

The role will work closely with the US Group Head Office, providing accurate and timely financial information and supporting group reporting requirements. This will be an internationally focused position, requiring the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the UK and US and to operate within a group structure.

The role will have responsibility across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, management accounts and foreign exchange, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure the finance function operates efficiently and effectively. Key responsibilities will include:

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• Lead and oversee the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial processing and reporting.
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• Manage the accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, maintaining strong controls and effective working capital management.
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• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely payment.
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• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, providing meaningful analysis and commentary on financial performance.
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• Prepare and provide accurate financial reporting to the US Group Head Office, ensuring compliance with group reporting requirements and deadlines.
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• Work closely with the US Group Finance team and key stakeholders across the wider organisation.
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• Support group consolidation, reporting and financial planning activities as required.
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• Monitor cash flow and working capital, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.
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• Manage and monitor foreign exchange exposure, supporting the business with effective FX management and reporting.
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• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data and maintain robust financial controls and processes.
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• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities.
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• Provide financial insight and commercial support to senior management and key business stakeholders.
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• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and reporting.
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• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax requirements and internal policies.
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• Work with external advisers, auditors and other professional partners as required.
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• Lead, develop and support members of the finance team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.Successful
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Candidates will have the following experience

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• A professional accounting qualification is essential (e.g. ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
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• Proven experience in a senior finance role.
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• Strong experience across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and management accounts.
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• Experience managing or overseeing foreign exchange and multi-currency transactions.
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• Practical experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 is essential.
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• Ideally experience working within an international or group finance environment, ideally with exposure to a US-based head office.
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• Experience of group reporting and working to group reporting deadlines.
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• Strong understanding of financial controls, processes and reporting.
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• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
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• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
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