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 Worcestershire
A county in the West Midlands, Worcestershire's borders have changed numerous times throughout its past, merging with Herefordshire in the 1970s as part of the Local Government Act 1972, and then being re-established as its own entity in 1998.
In addition to Herefordshire, its neighbours include Shropshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.
Worcestershire comprises a number of large communities, such as Worcester, Kidderminster, Redditch, Malvern and Bromsgrove. These all offer a variety of choices when it comes to finding Head of Finance positions in the region, and many are considered satellite towns of Birmingham.
For much of its past, Worcestershire's economy has relied on the wool trade, and related industries. During the 19th century, glove making was an important business, while Kidderminster carpets gained a sound reputation that continues today. Historically, the region was also important for the production of hops and fruit like pears, cherries, plums and apples.
Today, retail, manufacturing, the service sector and technology are all important parts of the local economy, with companies based in the region including Qinetiq, which specialises in defence technology.
Of course, Worscestershire is also famous for its eponymous sauce - this has been manufactured by Lea & Perrins in Worcester since 1838, although the company is now owned by Heinz.
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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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