Head of Finance * Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire | Hybrid / Office-based * Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum * Role Type: Full-time, Permanent The Role Your Recruitment Coach is looking for an experienced Head of Finance for their client based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. This is an exciting, hands-on role at the heart of a fast-growing investment business. As the Head of Finance, you will fully own and run the finance function end-to-end, managing everything from core accounting and month-end closes to supporting live acquisitions, investments, and commercial decisions. You will get real ownership, direct access to the founders, and a seat close to every major decision made. On a day-to-day basis, you will work closely with the Directors, supporting finance workflows across a diverse portfolio of businesses. Key Responsibilities for the Head of Finance Core Accounting & Financial Control * Maintain accurate books and records in Xero across the group of entities, including bookkeeping, bank/balance sheet reconciliations, and intercompany transactions. * Own the month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals, and prepayments. * Manage VAT returns, oversee payroll processing, and liaise with external accountants/auditors on statutory accounts and tax compliance. * Establish and maintain strong financial controls, approvals, and policies tailored to a growing investment firm. Reporting, Forecasting & Management Information * Produce timely, high-quality monthly management packs featuring clear commercial commentary for the founders. * Build and maintain robust budgets, rolling forecasts, and cash flow models. * Manage day-to-day banking and cash management to ensure total visibility of the group's cash position. * Develop consistent performance reporting models for portfolio investments. Systems, Automation & Data Quality * Review and continuously improve finance processes to eliminate manual work and tighten internal controls. * Optimize the use of Xero and its connected ecosystem, introducing automation where it adds value. * Guarantee that the underlying financial data driving strategic decisions is accurate, consistent, and trusted. Acquisitions, Investments & Strategic Projects * Support the business on financial due diligence, valuation modeling, deal structuring, and completion accounts. * Lead the financial integration of new investments, setting up their reporting structures and controls post-acquisition. * Prepare clear financial analysis and papers for lenders, investment partners, and internal decisions. Commercial Performance * Proactively identify opportunities to improve profit margins, cash flow, and operational efficiency across the group. * Challenge strategic assumptions and translate raw numbers into actionable business insights. * Act as the trusted finance partner for the founders and increasingly for the portfolio management teams. What You Need (Requirements) * Experience: Proven track record in a senior finance role (e.g., Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or Head of Finance), ideally within an investment, private equity, or multi-entity group environment. * Systems: Advanced proficiency with Xero and its integrated automation applications. * Technical Skills: Strong background in full month-end ownership, corporate tax/VAT compliance, and building complex forecasting/cash flow models. * M&A Exposure: Experience supporting financial due diligence, deal structuring, or post-acquisition integration is highly desirable. * Attributes: A hands-on, commercial mindset with the confidence to challenge assumptions and communicate insights directly to founders and stakeholders