An established AJ100 Architectural Practice with a reputation for delivering exceptional, award-winning design solutions are currently recruiting for a Head of Finance to join their Head Office in Chesterfield, S41.

As part of our clients evolving management structure and ambition for sustainable growth, required is a commercially astute Head of Finance to join their leadership team. This senior role will be pivotal in safeguarding financial resilience, shaping strategic decisions, and enabling the practice to achieve its long-term vision of being progressive by design.

Overview of the Role and Opportunity

As Head of Finance, you will lead the finance team and sit at the heart of the practice''s leadership structure. Responsible for ensuring robust financial management, compliance, and operational delivery, you will also act as a proactive business partner to the Executive Board, providing insight, positive challenge, and guidance that supports growth ambitions.

This highly visible role offers the opportunity to:

• Present directly to the Executive and Leadership Teams.
• Drive improvements in systems, processes, and financial reporting.
• Contribute to shaping the practice''s future, ensuring resilience, agility, and well-positioned for growth.

Head of Finance Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, VAT and cash management.
• Deliver accurate monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and detailed finance reports for the Practice Management Board and Executive Team.
• Lead preparation of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and cashflow forecasting.
• Manage year-end statutory accounts, audit preparation, and liaison with auditors.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC and all statutory requirements, including VAT and Corporation Tax.
• Maintain robust internal controls, procedures, and risk management frameworks to safeguard assets and reputation.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance Team (currently 3 staff), building capability, succession, and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity.
• Act as a visible senior leader within the practice, role-modelling collaborative and values-driven leadership.

Strategic Finance & Business Growth

• Present financial insights clearly to the Executive and Leadership Teams, enabling effective decision-making.
• Model financial scenarios to support diversification, sector expansion, and new market opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement of finance systems and processes, embracing digital tools and automation.
• Promote financial stability and credibility, building confidence with clients, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Support in providing project and client profitability analysis as an internal tool for resourcing, pricing, and sector planning.

About You - Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (RQF Level 7), such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent..
• Significant post-qualification experience in financial leadership, ideally within professional services or project-based industries.
• Proven ability to present to and influence senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, payroll tax, VAT, audit, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrable track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.

Desirable

• Experience within the built environment, architecture, engineering, or consultancy sectors.
• Knowledge of R&D tax credits, and sector-specific financial frameworks.
• Familiarity with practice management and finance technology systems.
  
  What''s on offer

• Competitive salary -55,000 - -65,000 plus discretionary bonus.
• Car salary sacrifice scheme.
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus paid volunteering days.
• Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility to balance remote and office time.
• Comprehensive benefits including Health & Cash Plan, pension contributions, and performance-related bonuses.
• Annual learning budget and paid professional memberships.
• A values-driven culture that champions creativity, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.

If you are a progressive finance leader who thrives on balancing compliance with challenge and innovation, please hit apply and provide an updated CV.

Alternatively, please contact James Jackson at Conrad Consulting for further information.