Head of Finance

Job Description:

Sowena Group is delighted to be partnering with an ambitious, tech-enabled recruitment group specializing in executive search within cybersecurity and related sectors. Based in Manchester with global reach (including expanding into North America and EMEA/APJ), the firm is experiencing rapid growth and international expansion plans.

Seeking a hands-on, strategic finance leader to build and scale a robust finance function. This core role will support international expansion, drive financial strategy, and ensure operational financial excellence across global markets. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) comfortable with both big-picture financial planning and detailed execution.

Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning, and cash flow management aligned with high-growth and international expansion objectives.
• Provide insightful financial analytics, models, and reports to guide the leadership team’s strategic decisions.

Operational & Hands‑On Execution

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations: transactional processing, month-end close, P&L reporting, and governance. Refine and implement scalable accounting processes and controls
• Ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., EMEA, APJ, US) and manage relationships with external advisors (audit, tax, banking)

International Expansion Support

• Establish financial systems, processes, and controls for new international markets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Talent, Leadership) to embed financial best practices into expansion plans.

Team Building & Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team. Instill best practices, encourage innovation, and drive ownership for financial excellence

Qualifications/Skills:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Proven experience in fast-paced, high-growth, or scale‑up environments—preferred exposure to recruitment, professional services, or PE/VC‑backed businesses
• Demonstrated track record of building finance functions from the ground up, ideally in environments with international operations.
• Skilled at balancing strategic planning with operational execution—comfortable “rolling up sleeves.”
• Strong communication and stakeholder management—able to influence non-finance leadership with clarity.
• Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel; experience implementing scalable reporting tools or ERPs is valued.

Details:

• £70,000 - £80,000 basic + bonus 
• A pivotal leadership role within an entrepreneurial, high-trust environment—with real autonomy, ownership, and visibility.
• The opportunity to shape and scale the finance function alongside rapid international growth.
• Career progression potential toward Finance Director as the organisation scales further.
• Competitive salary (reflective of London/Manchester scale for high-growth roles), potentially supplemented by bonus or equity packages.

For more details on this particular opportunity please reach out to dave@sowenagroup.co.uk