Head of Finance

A Head of Finance oversees day-to-day operations of the finance team, ensures accurate reporting, and helps implement financial controls.

A Head of Finance is a senior role that typically sits between a Financial Controller and a Finance Director. It is often the most senior finance position in a growing business, especially when the founder or CEO is not ready to appoint a Finance Director or CFO. In smaller companies, the Head of Finance may be the number one in finance, managing everything from month end to commercial planning. In larger businesses, it may be a stepping stone or divisional role beneath a CFO.

What Does a Head of Finance Do?

Finance Function Leadership

Leading the finance team and taking ownership of the entire finance function.

Management Reporting & Board Packs

Producing or reviewing management accounts and preparing board-level reporting.

Planning & Forecasting

Managing budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow to support business planning.

Strategic & Commercial Support

Providing financial insight to support strategic decisions and commercial analysis.

Compliance, Tax & Audit Oversight

Overseeing VAT, tax filings, audit processes, and other compliance requirements.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Managing relationships with banks, lenders, and external financial advisors.

Systems & Process Development

Driving improvements in finance systems, tools, and processes for scale.

Cross-Functional Oversight

Often responsible for HR, IT, legal, and commercial negotiations or bids in growing businesses.

When Should You Hire a Head of Finance?

A Head of Finance is a great option when:

You Need Leadership Beyond a Manager

You’ve outgrown the capacity or experience of a Finance Manager or Controller.

You’re Not Ready for a CFO

You want senior oversight but don’t yet require full CFO-level strategic direction.

Your CEO or Founder Is Too Involved in Finance

Leadership is still managing the numbers and needs to step back from day-to-day detail.

You’re in a Growth or Scale-Up Phase

This role is especially common in private equity-backed firms and high-growth businesses approaching their next milestone.

This title is particularly common in scale-ups, private equity-backed businesses, and companies at an inflection point in their growth journey.

What Makes a Great Head of Finance?

You should look for someone who:

Is professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Has experience leading a finance team and working closely with leadership

Can own reporting and financial operations while contributing to strategy

Understands your business model and commercial drivers

Similar Roles

Finance Director

Management Accountant

Chief Financial Officer

Unsure What Role You Really Need?

It’s not always clear whether you need an Assistant Accountant, a Financial Controller, a CFO or something in between.

That’s where our Finance Function Blueprint comes in.

We map out your finance team structure based on your goals, business size, and growth stage, so you can hire with clarity and confidence.

Not Sure Where to Start?

We offer a free Finance Team Diagnostic session to help you assess your current setup and work out what you really need next. It is a no-obligation, one-to-one session with one of our experienced finance directors.

Planning to hire?

At Artemis Clarke, we help ambitious businesses find CFOs who combine strategic insight with practical experience.

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