Head of Finance
Occupying a position below the board but with a huge amount of responsibility, the head of finance for a company is mainly responsible for gathering financial information from the business and reporting the data to the board. They might also be involved with decision making where finances are concerned, but they will usually have to defer to the CEO, COO or CFO, and might therefore be employed in an advisory role.
The head of finance will also be involved with forecasting, both in the company’s own activities and with regard to the region or wider world. While forecasts are not always strictly scientific, they must be informed and educated enough to make a case for the board to make spending and investment decisions on their basis.
In some head of finance jobs, there is, however, a good deal of autonomy to make decisions without daily reference to the board, within certain budgetary and projected constraints. It depends on the size and structure of the business.
Head of finance skills
As head of finance, you’ll have to be extremely adept at all manner of accountancy, bookkeeping, forecasting and reporting. Experience at a senior level within the financial department of a large business will stand you in good stead, although everyone has to start somewhere, so a specific head of finance title is not always requested, as long as you have a proven track record of financial management.
As far as qualifications are concerned, a BSc/BA in accounting or finance will often be a minimum requirement, but other related qualifications and experience will also be considered in many cases.
Head of Finance Jobs in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne has long been an important location in Britain. During Roman times, a fort called Pons Aelius was erected and served as the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, while the Duke of Normandy built a castle here in 1080.
In the Middle Ages, Newcastle was a fortress on the northern border during the wars against Scotland. By the 16th century, the area had become known for its coal production. The city enjoyed a monopoly on shipping the fuel and thus created a rivalry with other nearby towns like Tyneside and Sunderland.
Printing, glassworks and shipbuilding were a big part of the city's economy as the Industrial Revolution took hold. Then, 19th century innovations such as safety lamps, improved milling techniques, electricity generation and light bulbs paved the way for the city's prosperity.
Of course, you can't forget one of Newcastle's most beloved products: Newcastle Brown Ale. Also known as Newkie Broon, this drink first went into production in 1928 and has been a favourite beverage ever since. Production, however, has been moved to North Yorkshire.
Today, the Tyneside conurbation is among the 10 most populous in the UK, making it a good choice for those seeking new Head of Finance vacancies.
Heavy industry has declined over the last 50 years, to be replaced mainly with retail and the service sector. Just some of the many companies that are headquartered or have regional offices in the city include Greggs the baker, the Go-Ahead Group, Northern Rock, Proctor & Gamble UK and Sage, an enterprise software company.
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Head of finance recruitment at Cast UK
When looking for the right person to fill such a key role in a business, you need as relevant a shortlist as possible so you can decide on the perfect one. That’s where Cast UK comes in. We only work with recruits at senior levels, so you can be sure that any candidates who have been through our filter will be relevant and ready to make a difference. Call 0333 121 3345 to speak to one of our experts.
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