About First Actuarial

First Actuarial has been around since 2004, when a small group of like-minded actuaries came together to bring fresh thinking to pensions consultancy. Two decades later, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary with events at all our six offices. It’s a great time to be part of First Actuarial. Following last year’s 20% revenue increase, our strong growth path has continued into this year, and we now employ around 450 people in the UK.

As we develop our business, prospects for our people grow. Our Basingstoke, Leeds, Manchester, Peterborough, London and Tonbridge offices provide supportive work environments where everyone can make a difference. We enjoy work and celebrate our successes. And we provide support and helpful feedback so we all learn and improve.

About the role

We are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Finance to cover for maternity leave from 1 January 2025 for a period of 14 months. Leading a small team of three staff, the Head of Finance is responsible for the Finance function of the Firm including financial reporting, payroll and financial statutory compliance.  This role reports directly into the Finance Partner.

About you

We are looking for someone who has experience in a similar senior finance role, with the ability to hit the ground running and easily adapt to different environments.  Experience of similar cover and contract roles will be beneficial.

We require you to be professionally qualified – ACA or equivalent with significant post qualification experience.

You will have experience of liaising with different key departments such as HR and compliance.  You will be comfortable dealing with a wide variety of colleagues- working with local office support contacts, picking up questions from staff members and helping Partners of the firm navigate the financial policies of the Firm.

Role & Responsibilities

The role reports directly to the Management Board via our Finance Partner.

Information provided to Partners of the Firm on a monthly basis via email:

• Monthly management information
• Billing reporting
• Aged debtor reports

The Head of Finance has responsibility for the following areas including supervising tasks allocated to the Company Accountant & Finance Assistant.

• Review and payment of monthly staff payroll & other monthly payments
• Statutory tax compliance including VAT submissions, P11D and PSA calculations
• Year-end accounts and audit and profit share finalisation
• Financial year forecasting
• Cashflow management
• Administration and compliance for the pension plan
• Maintaining current client list
• Management of time recording & billing software including updates and user accounts
• Dealing with external auditors and regulators (if required)

What we offer you

• A competitive remuneration package, including bonus and profit-sharing payments
• Private health insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance
• 25 days annual leave as standard, an extra day at Christmas, plus bank holidays.
• A non-contributory pension

We have hybrid working in place for colleagues who prefer home-working for part of the week. We’re also flexible on working day arrangements and will happily accommodate a range of personal commitments from day one.

Our straightforward, interview-based approach to recruitment ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.

Please note that we can only accept candidates who have a right to work in the UK.

Apply now with covering letter and CV