Head of Finance

We are seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead and develop the Finance function of a UK banking business.

This is a broad leadership role covering financial reporting, financial control, management information, regulatory reporting, planning and analysis, and commercial finance. While a strong understanding of the UK banking regulatory environment is essential, we are particularly interested in someone who can modernise the Finance function and use technology, AI and automation to improve the way Finance operates.

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with significant banking or financial services experience, strong technical and commercial judgement, and a genuine interest in finding smarter, more efficient ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Leadership

• Lead and develop the Finance function, ensuring high standards of financial control, reporting and governance.
• Own the month-end, year-end and management reporting processes.
• Provide clear and insightful financial information to the CEO, Executive team and Board.
• Develop and improve Finance processes, systems and controls as the business grows.
• Act as a trusted finance partner to senior management, supporting strategic and commercial decision-making.
• Build a high-performing Finance team with clear accountability, strong technical capability and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Financial Reporting & Control

• Oversee accurate and timely management and statutory financial reporting.
• Maintain a robust financial control environment, including reconciliations, balance sheet controls and appropriate review procedures.
• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts and underlying financial data.
• Manage the relationship with external auditors and coordinate the year-end audit process.
• Ensure appropriate application of IFRS and UK financial reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to simplify and improve financial processes while maintaining appropriate controls.

Regulatory & Prudential Reporting

• Maintain oversight of the bank’s regulatory reporting obligations and ensure submissions are accurate, complete and timely.
• Ensure appropriate Finance input into relevant PRA and FCA reporting, including COREP, FINREP and other applicable returns.
• Work closely with Risk and Treasury on capital, liquidity, RWA and balance sheet reporting.
• Ensure appropriate reconciliation between regulatory, statutory and management reporting.
• Support regulatory reviews, audits and remediation activity where required.
• Maintain awareness of changes to the UK banking regulatory framework and assess their impact on Finance.

Planning, Analysis & Commercial Finance

• Lead the budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Provide analysis and insight into profitability, costs, income, capital and balance sheet performance.
• Develop meaningful KPIs and management information to support decision-making.
• Challenge business assumptions and provide financial insight into strategic initiatives.
• Partner with commercial and operational teams to understand performance drivers and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the Board and Executive team with scenario analysis and financial modelling.

Responsibilities will include:

• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive and manual Finance processes.
• Explore practical applications of AI and machine learning across reporting, forecasting, reconciliations, analysis and Finance operations.
• Evaluate how AI can improve the production and interpretation of management information.
• Use automation to reduce manual data manipulation and spreadsheet dependency.
• Work with Technology and Data teams to improve Finance data quality and reporting infrastructure.
• Introduce appropriate controls around the use of AI and automated processes, particularly where financial or regulatory information is involved.
• Encourage a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement within Finance.
• Develop a roadmap for the Finance function of the future, balancing innovation with appropriate governance and control.
• Stay abreast of developments in AI, automation and financial technology and assess where they could add genuine value to the business.

Essential

• Qualified accountant — ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Significant post-qualification experience within UK banking or financial services.
• Strong technical accounting and financial control experience.
• Experience leading or managing a Finance function or significant Finance team.
• Good understanding of the UK regulatory environment applicable to banks.
• Experience with management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to operate effectively with senior leadership.
• Commercially minded with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture.

Particularly Attractive

• Experience in a UK-regulated bank, challenger bank, specialist lender or other regulated financial institution.
• Experience with PRA/FCA regulatory reporting and prudential requirements.
• Experience supporting ICAAP, ILAAP, capital planning or stress testing.
• Experience implementing new Finance systems, ERP platforms, reporting tools or data solutions.
• Demonstrable experience using automation, AI, BI tools or data analytics to improve Finance processes.
• A track record of challenging established ways of working and successfully implementing change.
• Experience operating in a growing, entrepreneurial or transformation-focused financial services business.