Head of Finance Permanent

Head of Finance, Hospitality, South West London, up to £90k + bonus + brilliant benefits

A fast-growing, entrepreneurial hospitality & events business operating across the UK and Europe is entering its next phase of growth. With a strong reputation for premium delivery across events, catering and pop-ups, the business is now looking to build out a best-in-class finance function.

This is a critical senior hire, reporting directly into the Managing Director. The Head of Finance will take full ownership of the finance agenda, driving robust financial control, providing sharp commercial insight, and acting as a true business partner to leadership across sales, operations and production.

This is a hands-on, fully rounded leadership role suited to someone equally comfortable in strategy and getting stuck into the detail. You’ll shape financial strategy, support growth initiatives, and ensure the business scales profitably in a fast-paced, operational environment.

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Own and deliver the financial strategy aligned to growth objectives
• Act as a trusted commercial partner to the Managing Director and senior leadership team
• Support new contracts, tenders, pricing and expansion decisions
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning

Financial Control & Reporting

• Oversee monthly management accounts and performance reporting
• Ensure accuracy, integrity and timeliness of financial information
• Lead year-end process and manage external auditors and advisors
• Implement and maintain strong financial controls and governance

Margins, Cost Control & Profitability

• Monitor margins across events, contracts and business lines
• Control food, labour and operational costs
• Support pricing strategy and profitability analysis
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and commercial performance

Cash Flow, Tax & Compliance

• Manage cash flow, working capital and funding requirements
• Oversee payroll, AP and AR
• Ensure compliance with VAT, tax, payroll and statutory obligations

Leadership & Systems

• Build, lead, mentor and develop the finance team
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and reporting
• Ensure finance systems support operational and commercial decision-making

Essential Requirements:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior finance role
• Strong commercial mindset with strategic capability
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, operational business
• Commercial, pragmatic and hands-on
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder influence
• Detail-driven with high integrity
• Thrives in dynamic, high-energy environments

Desirable

• Background in hospitality, events, retail or food-led environments
• Experience in a growing, founder-led or entrepreneurial business
• Track record of building and leading finance teams
• Experience with cloud-based finance systems (e.g. Xero)