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Harper May is working with a founder-led property development and construction group operating across residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes.
The business has grown steadily over the past five years, with an expanding project portfolio and strengthened balance sheet.
Recent acquisitions have widened the platform, and the group is now scaling its finance capability to match the complexity and volume of activity ahead.
They are seeking a Head of Finance to embed robust financial systems and deliver clearer insight across the business.
The Role
You will report to the Managing Director and own the finance function end-to-end.
This is a hands-on leadership position, blending operational execution with strategic contribution.
You will work across project delivery, commercial operations, and board-level planning, translating financial data into actionable business insight.
Key Responsibilities
Manage month-end close, produce timely management accounts with clear variance and commentaryLead cash forecasting and working capital management across active project sitesEstablish and oversee financial controls, reconciliations, and compliance frameworksWork with project leads to track costs, margins, and profitability in real timePrepare statutory accounts and manage relationship with external auditorsReview and upgrade finance systems, reporting tools, and process efficiencyLead and develop the finance team; oversee external advisory relationships
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or equivalent experience at this seniorityDirect experience in construction, property development, or similar project-based businessesProven ability to implement financial controls and improve reporting disciplinesCommercial mindset-comfortable discussing commercial trade-offs with operational and project teamsStrong interpersonal skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders informallySystems-literate; experience embedding or upgrading finance platforms ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £90k - 100k per year
Posted: 2026-10-15 17:58:33
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Harper May is working with a London-based technology business that builds infrastructure solutions for enterprise clients.
Founded a decade ago and now operating at scale, the business is backed by institutional investors and continues to expand its platform capabilities and addressable market.
Following recent Board investment in operational strengthening, the business is now seeking a Finance Director to lead its financial operations and strategy.
The Role
Reporting to the CEO, the Finance Director will own financial planning, control, and the delivery of commercial insight to the leadership team.
This is a hands-on role blending strategic oversight with direct management of day-to-day finance operations, supporting the business through its next phase of scaled growth.
Develop and maintain financial strategy and medium-term planning aligned to business prioritiesBuild and lead the finance function, establishing scalable processes and controlsManage statutory accounts, audit coordination, tax planning, and regulatory complianceOversee working capital, capital expenditure planning, and cashflow forecastingProvide the Board and leadership team with clear, timely financial analysis to support decision-makingLead relationships with external advisors, auditors, and investors as requiredPartner with commercial leadership to support pricing strategy and unit economics
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with substantive FD or senior finance leadership experienceBackground in a scaling, technology-enabled, or product business environmentDemonstrated capability in financial control, reporting, and governance within growing organisationsStrong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to Boards and investorsHands-on approach with solid technical accounting knowledge and systems capabilityProven ability to build and develop finance teams ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £112.5k - 125k per year
Posted: 2026-10-14 17:58:35
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Harper May is working with a multi-channel retail group operating stores and e-commerce across the UK.
The business is privately held, has grown consistently over the past three years, and processes in excess of £50m in annual revenue.
The finance function currently sits within a lean operations team, and the business is now looking to strengthen its finance capability with a dedicated manager to drive cleaner reporting, tighter controls, and sharper commercial analysis.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you will manage the core finance operations covering ledger management, monthly close, and commercial reporting.
You will work alongside store management and the central commercial team to surface performance drivers and support operational decision-making in a busy trading environment.
Key Responsibilities
Execute reliable month-end and year-end close cycles, producing timely management accounts and statutory packsBuild and own annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and weekly cash flow projectionsAnalyse store and channel profitability, gross margin, and operational spend varianceEstablish and maintain robust bank reconciliations, fixed asset registers, and balance sheet controlsWork with the commercial team to model promotional and pricing decisions and track their financial impactSupport audit engagement and tax compliance workstreamsDocument and improve finance processes to reduce manual work and strengthen internal controls
What we are looking for
AAT Part 3 qualified minimum; ACA, ACCA, or CIMA preferredThree to five years' hands-on finance management experience, ideally in retail, hospitality, or another trading businessGenuine competence in management accounting, variance analysis, and forecastingProficiency in Excel and experience with standard accounting softwareAbility to communicate finance insights clearly to operational and commercial leadersProactive, organised mindset; comfortable with ambiguity and moving quickly ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £55k - 60k per year
Posted: 2026-10-14 17:58:31
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Harper May is partnering with a fast-growing, Rights Management business.
A Head of Finance is being appointed to take full ownership of the finance function and act as a genuine commercial partner to the founder.The RoleReporting to the CEO, the Head of Finance will own the finance function end to end across a small, multi-entity, international group.
This is a broad, hands-on role for someone who wants to run the numbers and shape how the business manages its money, from day-to-day control and compliance through to the commercial decisions that protect and grow margin.Key Responsibilities
Own the finance function end to end across multiple international entitiesRun the monthly close, management accounts and cash flow forecastingOwn group-wide compliance, including VAT and the marketplace/indirect tax position across territoriesManage royalty income and payouts, reconciling platform and marketplace statements accuratelyControl advertising and catalogue spend, and report on return by title and channelPut idle cash to work and manage treasury across currenciesPartner with the CEO on pricing, catalogue acquisitions and commercial decisionsBuild the reporting, controls and processes a growing international business needs
What we are looking for
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or qualified by experience with a strong track recordExperience owning finance in a small or fast-growing international business, comfortable being hands-onMulti-entity and multi-currency experience, with a solid grasp of VAT and cross-border complianceCommercially minded, with the confidence to challenge and improve how money is managedComfortable in a multilingual, international environment; a second European language (Italian, Spanish or French) is important for this roleExposure to digital marketplaces, royalties, publishing or e-commerce is an advantageCity of London based
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Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £70k - 80k per year
Posted: 2026-10-14 16:34:07
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Harper May is working with a specialist property developer and contractor that has grown substantially over the past three years through a combination of organic expansion and selective acquisitions.
The business manages a diverse portfolio of residential and commercial schemes across London and the South East, with a lean but expanding finance team.
They are now strengthening their management accounting capability to support better cost visibility and financial control across an increasingly complex project base.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Manager, you will be responsible for producing timely management accounts, tracking project profitability, and maintaining the financial controls that keep site teams and senior management aligned.
The role has opened because the business has reached a scale where project-by-project financial oversight has become critical-and the current team needs reinforcement to deliver it properly.
Produce monthly management accounts with variance commentary and trend analysisBuild and maintain project cost models, tracking spend against budget and forecast at contract levelManage work-in-progress schedules, retentions, and margin reportingReconcile and validate balance sheet accounts, particularly payables, accruals, and retention balancesLiaise with project managers and site teams to ensure accurate cost and revenue data captureSupport annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting cyclesAssist with year-end close and external audit procedures
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or pursuing one of these qualificationsProven experience in construction or property accounting, ideally in a multi-project environmentSolid grasp of project accounting principles and contract revenue recognitionCompetent with Excel and month-end close processesAbility to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholdersOrganised, methodical, and comfortable with deadline-driven work ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £50k - 55k per year
Posted: 2026-10-13 17:58:35
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Harper May is working with a founder-led financial services firm managing assets across wealth management and investment solutions.
The business has grown steadily over the past three years, with recent expansion into new product lines requiring stronger analytical capability across the finance function.
They are now seeking a Finance Analyst to build out reporting infrastructure, support financial planning cycles, and provide the data-driven insight the business needs to scale effectively.The RoleReporting to the Finance Manager, you will own a range of analytical and reporting responsibilities.
This is a hands-on position where you will work directly with spreadsheets, financial systems, and stakeholders across operations and investment teams.
You will operate in a growing but structured environment where accuracy, clear communication, and methodical thinking are valued.Key Responsibilities
Prepare monthly financial statements, variance reports, and management commentarySupport annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting cyclesBuild and maintain financial models for scenario planning and business case analysisReconcile balance sheet items and support audit and compliance reportingAnalyse business performance across revenue streams and cost centresDevelop and enhance reporting dashboards and analytical toolsWork with operations and commercial teams to translate financial data into actionable insight
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or equivalent accounting backgroundPrior exposure to financial services, investment, or asset management environmentsProven ability to design and manipulate financial models in ExcelStrong written and verbal communication skills, particularly when presenting to non-finance colleaguesOrganised, methodical approach to complex data and tight deadlinesCommercial mindset coupled with genuine attention to detail ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £60k - 65k per year
Posted: 2026-10-13 17:58:32
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Harper May is partnering with a fast-moving advertising business that’s continuing to grow its client portfolio and strengthen the finance function around it.
With multiple revenue streams, project-based delivery, and tight production timelines, they’re now looking for a Financial Controller to own day-to-day control, improve reporting, and bring sharper commercial insight to the leadership team.Role Overview As Financial Controller, you’ll take responsibility for the month-end process, management reporting, and financial controls across the business.
You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to track performance by client and campaign, manage cash flow, and ensure the finance function supports confident decision-making as the company scales.Key Responsibilities
Lead the month-end close, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations
Produce timely management accounts with clear commentary on performance and variances
Own budgeting and forecasting cycles, supporting department heads with cost control and planning
Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital, and invoicing processes to keep cash conversion strong
Strengthen financial controls and improve finance processes across billings, expenses, and approvals
Support year-end audit preparation and statutory reporting requirements
Develop meaningful project and client profitability reporting to improve commercial visibility
Manage and mentor junior team members and support day-to-day finance operations as needed
Candidate Profile
ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
Strong Financial Controller experience within a fast-paced, service-led business (agency experience welcome)
Confident running month-end and producing insightful management information
Solid understanding of revenue recognition and project-based reporting
Hands-on, detail-focused, and comfortable improving processes without adding unnecessary complexity
Strong stakeholder management skills, able to challenge constructively and communicate clearly ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: Covent Garden, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £80,000 per annum
Posted: 2026-10-12 17:58:37
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Harper May is working with a founder-led media and events group that has grown substantially over the past three years through organic expansion and two bolt-on acquisitions.
The business operates across live festivals, content production, and B2B conferences, and currently turns over around £25m.
Recent funding has sharpened focus on operational efficiency and financial discipline, and the finance function is being strengthened to support the next phase of growth.
They are now seeking a Finance Manager to embed strong controls and reporting across a busy, multi-project environment.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Director, you will own the core finance operations-month-end reporting, cash management, and cost control across events, production teams, and conference operations.
The position sits at the centre of the business, providing commercial insight to operational leaders and giving the executive team visibility into project profitability and cash position.
You will work in a dynamic environment where timelines shift, new events launch, and financial data needs to move at pace.
Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and statutory reportingManage cash flow forecasting and working capital across a portfolio of events at different lifecycle stagesBuild and own budget and reforecast cycles; partner with project leads on cost tracking and margin deliveryEstablish and maintain robust reconciliations, bank controls, and balance sheet integrityAnalyse event and conference performance post-delivery; distil findings into clear commercial recommendationsSupport audit and compliance activity; drive incremental improvements to finance processes and systems
What we are looking for
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with 3-5 years in a similar operations or management accounting roleProven experience in media, events, or other project-driven sectorsFluent in Excel and financial systems; comfortable learning and configuring reporting toolsAbility to explain numbers clearly to non-finance stakeholders without jargonOrganised and pragmatic; comfortable with ambiguity and able to prioritise in a fast-moving context ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £60k - 65k per year
Posted: 2026-10-12 17:58:32
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Harper May is working with a founder-led entertainment business that produces live theatre, festivals, and touring productions across the UK and Europe.
The business has grown steadily over the past five years and is now scaling its infrastructure to support increased touring activity and new venue partnerships.
Finance has remained lean, and the business now needs a Finance Manager to build reliable reporting, tighten controls, and give the leadership team the commercial clarity they need as the operation expands.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Director, you will own the core finance function: month-end close, management reporting, and financial controls across all productions and touring operations.
This is a hands-on role with real exposure to how the business works - you will work directly with production teams, venues, and commercial partners to translate their activity into clean, usable numbers.
Execute month-end and year-end close cycles, producing accurate financial statements and management accountsBuild and maintain cash flow forecasting, particularly important given the lumpy, project-led nature of touring and event workDevelop and own the annual budget, working with production and commercial leads to understand costs and revenue driversReview production performance and tour profitability, feeding insight back to operational teams in real timeStrengthen balance sheet control, bank reconciliations, and inter-company accounting across multiple venues and production entitiesSupport external audit, tax compliance, and statutory reporting requirementsIdentify and implement process improvements in finance systems and reporting as the business grows
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or equivalent experience in a similar financial control roleProven experience working in theatre, live events, entertainment, or other project-driven environmentsStrong technical accounting skills with confidence in month-end and year-end proceduresPragmatic approach to problem-solving - comfortable making sense of complex, fast-moving activityClear communicator who can explain finance to non-finance stakeholders without jargonAdvanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems or accounting software ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £55k - 60k per year
Posted: 2026-10-09 17:58:38
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Harper May is working with a founder-led technology business providing cloud-based solutions to mid-market enterprises.
The company is scaling rapidly following a Series B investment, with revenue growth outpacing the maturity of its financial infrastructure.
As the organisation expands into new markets and product lines, the finance team needs to evolve from transactional processing to become a genuine business partner.
They are seeking a Management Accountant to build robust financial reporting and provide the clarity that growth-stage decision-making demands.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Director, you will own the management reporting calendar and become the primary financial voice for the commercial and operations teams.
This is a hands-on role that sits at the intersection of finance rigour and business insight - you will move between reconciliations, variance analysis, and board-level commentary, working closely with product and sales leadership to translate numbers into action.
Key Responsibilities
Produce monthly management accounts with detailed variance analysis and supporting commentaryBuild and maintain financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planningMonitor revenue performance, product margins, and operational cost drivers across business unitsReconcile balance sheet accounts and oversee month-end close proceduresSupport commercial teams with ad-hoc analysis on pricing, profitability, and customer economicsPrepare materials for board and investor reporting cyclesIdentify and implement improvements to reporting tools and financial processes
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified or part-qualifiedExperience in a SaaS, software, or similarly scaled technology environmentProven ability to produce accurate, timely management reporting with clear commercial narrativeFluent in Excel with competence in financial modelling and data visualisationNatural communicator comfortable presenting to non-finance stakeholders and senior leadershipSelf-directed and able to thrive in a fast-moving, flat organisation ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £50k - 55k per year
Posted: 2026-10-09 17:58:34
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Harper May is working with a founder-led technology business in the B2B SaaS space.
Established five years ago, the company has grown to around 40 staff and is now operating across three geographies.
Recent product investment has driven strong customer acquisition, but the finance function has not scaled in line with the business.
The founding team recognises the need for structured financial leadership to support margin improvement, investor readiness, and operational discipline as the business enters its next phase.
The RoleReporting to the CEO, you will lead the finance function end-to-end.
You will own financial operations, control design, and reporting while partnering closely with the product and commercial teams on investment decisions and unit economics.
This is a hands-on role where you will balance day-to-day finance delivery with strategic input into product roadmap, market expansion, and capital efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee all financial operations, systems, and month-end reportingPrepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis and commercial interpretationOwn cash forecasting, working capital management, and cash runway planningDrive financial rigour in product development spend and customer acquisition economicsSupport pricing strategy, revenue recognition, and margin analysis across customer segmentsBuild and lead a finance team and relationships with external accountants and auditorsEstablish financial controls, compliance processes, and reporting suitable for growth and investor scrutiny
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifiedProven experience in finance leadership within technology or fast-growing B2B businessesStrong technical accounting knowledge and ability to own management reporting from scratchCommercial mindset with genuine interest in product metrics, customer economics, and growth trade-offsTeam builder comfortable recruiting, onboarding, and managing junior finance staffExperience in investor-backed or pre-exit environments is a strong advantage ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £90k - 100k per year
Posted: 2026-10-08 17:58:36
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Harper May is working with a founder-led SaaS business in the London market, currently scaling through a combination of organic growth and strategic customer expansion.
The company serves mid-market enterprise clients across multiple verticals and is moving beyond its initial product launch phase.
As the business enters a period of heavier investment in sales infrastructure and product development, the finance team needs deeper analytical capability to track unit economics, optimize spend, and support investment decisions.
The business is now seeking a Finance Analyst to embed financial rigour into forecasting and operational reporting.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Director, the Finance Analyst will provide analytical support across commercial planning, operational performance, and resource allocation.
You will work closely with the leadership team to surface trends in customer acquisition, churn, and margin, and help shape monthly and quarterly business reviews with clear, data-driven insight.
Key Responsibilities
Build and maintain financial forecasts across revenue, costs, and cash, refreshing quarterly against business assumptionsSupport monthly close and management accounts production, including commentary on variances and financial performanceDevelop recurring dashboards and reports tracking customer metrics, gross margin, and operating expense by functionAnalyse cohort performance, customer lifetime value, and CAC payback to guide sales and marketing strategyPrepare financial models for scenario planning, pricing decisions, and business case evaluationPartner with operations and commercial teams to understand cost drivers and improve data qualitySupport budgeting cycles and long-range planning processes
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, CIMA qualified or part-qualified, or equivalent analytical experience in a finance or operations roleExposure to technology, subscription, or software businesses-ideally in a scaling or growth-stage contextStrong Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and multi-sheet financial modellingAbility to extract and manipulate data from SQL or BI tools, or willingness to learn quicklyClear communication skills; comfortable explaining financial concepts to non-finance audiencesAttention to detail and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving in a lean finance environment ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £55k - 60k per year
Posted: 2026-10-08 17:58:33
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Harper May is working with a founder-led construction firm specialising in bespoke commercial and residential projects across London and the South East.
The business has grown steadily over the past three years and now manages a diverse portfolio of concurrent schemes.
As the finance function scales to support this expansion, they are seeking a Finance Manager to strengthen their operational finance capability and embed robust reporting across projects.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you will own day-to-day finance operations and act as a commercial partner to project and construction teams.
The role sits at the heart of the business, balancing rigorous financial control with practical support for site and operational leadership.
Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts and statutory reportingManage project-level accounting, cost tracking, and margin analysis across the portfolioBuild and maintain cash flow forecasts to support business planning and working capital managementWork closely with project managers to monitor expenditure, variations, and commercial performanceOversee general ledger reconciliations, balance sheet integrity, and compliance with financial controlsLead the audit process and support year-end financial close activitiesReview and streamline finance processes and reporting tools to improve efficiency
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or equivalent hands-on experience in a finance management roleProven background in construction, property, or project-driven business environmentsSolid grasp of project costing, cost control methodologies, and cash management disciplineProficiency in Excel and financial systems; adaptability to new toolsClear communicator comfortable translating financial insight for non-finance audiencesMethodical, commercially aware, and able to prioritise across multiple concurrent priorities ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £65k - 75k per year
Posted: 2026-10-07 17:58:32
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Harper May is partnering with a well-established, privately-owned UK care operator based on the East London / Essex border.
The group operates a portfolio of residential and nursing homes across the region, is owner-led and profitable, and has grown steadily over many years through a mix of strong operational performance and selective acquisition of individual homes.
A Financial Controller is being appointed to take hands-on ownership of the finance function, partner closely with the owner-director on the numbers, and support the next phase of growth.The RoleReporting directly to the Managing Director, the Financial Controller will own the finance function day to day across the group's homes and holding entities.
The role is practical and hands-on, suited to a fully qualified accountant who is comfortable close to the detail, used to owner-managed environments, and ready to take real ownership of close, reporting, cash and controls.Key Responsibilities
Own the monthly close and consolidated management accounts across the group's homes and operating entitiesPrepare monthly P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting for the owner-director and senior managementOwn cash management, weekly cash flow and working capital across the groupOversee statutory reporting, the annual audit and tax compliance across the group entitiesPartner with home managers on budgets, cost control and performance by siteStrengthen financial controls, policies and process across the finance functionManage the day-to-day finance team, including payroll, AP and ARSupport the owner-director on ad-hoc commercial analysis, including home-level profitability and acquisition evaluation
What we are looking for
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)Prior experience in a multi-site, operationally-led business is essentialExperience in care, healthcare, hospitality, retail or another multi-location SME is strongly preferredComfortable in an owner-managed, privately-owned environmentHands-on and practical, happy to own close, reporting and controls end to endStrong attention to detail alongside the ability to see the commercial pictureBased within a comfortable commute of the East London / Essex border
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Type: Permanent Location: Woodford, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £60k - 70k per year
Posted: 2026-10-07 14:54:57
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Harper May is partnering with an independent entertainment production company that creates and distributes content across film, television, and digital platforms.
The business has grown steadily over the past five years and is now scaling its financial infrastructure to support increased production volume, international expansion, and investor reporting requirements.
They are seeking a Finance Analyst to strengthen their finance function.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Manager, this role will support the day-to-day financial operations of the business, with particular focus on production accounting, project-level P&L tracking, and cash flow management.
The analyst will work across production teams, distribution partners, and senior leadership to ensure accurate financial data and timely reporting.
The position offers genuine involvement in understanding how entertainment businesses work commercially.
Maintain and reconcile production cost ledgers and project budgetsAssist with monthly financial close and management reportingTrack and analyse revenue by title, territory, and distribution channelSupport cash flow forecasting and working capital managementPrepare variance analysis and performance reports for production executivesBuild and maintain financial models for greenlight decisions and investment appraisals
What we are looking for
Part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) or equivalent financial qualificationPractical experience with management accounts, budgeting, or project accountingStrong Excel skills with confidence in financial modelling and data analysisAbility to communicate financial information to non-finance stakeholdersMethodical approach to detail with sound problem-solving ability ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £45k - 50k per year
Posted: 2026-10-06 17:58:36
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Harper May is working with a founder-led restaurant group operating a portfolio of independent venues across London and the South East.
The business has grown organically over the past decade, building a strong reputation for distinctive dining concepts and operational rigour.
Recent investment has accelerated expansion plans, and the leadership team is now strengthening the finance function to support scaled growth, improved financial visibility, and strategic capital deployment across the estate.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director will lead all financial management and planning for the group.
You will act as a core strategic partner, combining commercial rigour with operational insight to drive profitability, support new site launches, and build financial infrastructure capable of sustaining expansion.
Develop and execute financial strategy aligned to the group's growth objectives and capital allocation prioritiesEstablish robust monthly and quarterly reporting, with clear site-level and group-level KPI dashboardsLead budget setting, forecasting, and cash flow management across all trading unitsPartner with operations and kitchen leadership on labour productivity, food cost control, and margin optimisationOversee capital planning and investment appraisal for new openings and refurbishment programmesBuild and mentor a finance team, establishing clear processes and accountabilityManage audit, statutory compliance, tax planning, and relationships with external advisors
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with a track record in senior finance rolesHands-on experience in hospitality, restaurants, or multi-unit food service operationsDemonstrated success supporting business growth, site openings, or operational improvement programmesComfort with financial modelling, data analysis, and translating numbers into commercial narrativeCollaborative mindset and proven ability to influence non-finance stakeholders across operations and leadershipStrong financial systems experience and a structured approach to controls and governance ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £90k - 100k per year
Posted: 2026-10-06 17:58:33
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Harper May is partnering with a profitable, acquisitive, PE-backed technology group in the south-west London area.
The group runs across a cluster of trading entities serving regulated UK B2B markets, has grown rapidly through strong organic performance alongside targeted acquisitions, and is now entering a new phase of scale under institutional ownership.
A Head of Finance is being hired to run the day-to-day group finance function alongside the current CFO and be developed into the longer-term CFO successor.The RoleReporting to the CFO, the Head of Finance will be a hands-on operator across the group's trading entities, owning consolidated reporting, FP&A, controls, and the finance stream of the group's post-deal priorities.
The role will suit a fully qualified, fast-rising accountant currently reporting into a CFO or FD, who is ready to step into a genuine number-two seat with a line of sight to CFO over the next 12 to 24 months.Key Responsibilities
Lead the monthly group close and the consolidated management accounts across the operating entitiesProduce monthly reporting for the PE sponsor and quarterly covenant reporting for the group's lenderOwn FP&A end to end: annual budget, rolling forecast, 13-week cash flow, and board-grade variance commentaryWork alongside the CFO on the value creation plan and ongoing investor reportingProject-manage the integration of acquired businesses onto a single group accounting platformOversee statutory reporting, the group audit and tax compliance across the trading entitiesDrive cost control, cash management and working capital discipline across the groupDevelop and build out the finance team across multiple sitesDeputise for the CFO at board and committee level as the role matures
What we are looking for
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)Currently reporting into a CFO or FD inside a group, on a clear upward trajectoryHands-on group consolidation experience across multiple trading entitiesExposure to PE sponsor reporting and bank covenant reporting is strongly preferredStrong FP&A, with the ability to explain variances crisply at board levelExperience of bringing multiple companies onto a single accounting platform is a plusHands-on team leader, comfortable owning the detail and the strategic picture togetherBased within a comfortable commute of south-west London; office-first initially, moving to hybrid
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Type: Permanent Location: Surbiton, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £100k - 110k per year
Posted: 2026-10-06 16:58:39
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Harper May is working with an established entertainment business that produces and distributes content across multiple platforms.
The company has grown steadily over the past five years and is now in a phase of operational consolidation, with a focus on strengthening financial controls and deepening commercial insight across the business.
They are now seeking a Management Accountant to join the finance team and take on a more hands-on role in month-end close and internal management reporting.
The Role
This is a core finance position, reporting to the Finance Director.
You will own the monthly management accounts process, manage the general ledger, and produce the financial statements and variance analysis that guide the board and operational leadership.
The role sits at the centre of the business-you will understand cash flow, production budgets, licensing revenue, and distribution economics, and you will need to communicate what those numbers mean.
Prepare and own the monthly management accounts, including balance sheet reconciliation and P&L variance analysisManage the general ledger, month-end close, and accruals processBuild and maintain financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planningProduce management reports and dashboards that track revenue, production spend, and operational KPIsSupport audit and tax compliance processesWork with operations and production teams to track project and portfolio performance against budget
What we are looking for
Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)3+ years of experience in a management or corporate finance roleStrong technical skills in Excel, financial modelling, and accounting systemsExperience with month-end close and management accounts preparationClear communicator who can explain financial performance to non-finance stakeholdersSelf-directed and comfortable owning end-to-end processes with minimal supervision ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £45k - 50k per year
Posted: 2026-10-05 17:58:36
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Harper May is working with a founder-led B2B software business in the London area.
The company has achieved strong product-market fit and is navigating the transition from growth-stage operation to a more structured, investment-ready enterprise.
With revenue now in the eight-figure range and a maturing customer base spanning multiple verticals, the finance function has become a bottleneck.
The business is now seeking a Chief Financial Officer to bring rigour, systems, and strategic insight to this next phase.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer will own financial strategy, controls, and the relationship with the Board and external stakeholders.
This is a hands-on role combining strategic responsibility with direct involvement in FP&A, treasury management, and the build-out of finance infrastructure for a scaling software company.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute financial strategy aligned with product roadmap and market expansion plansManage monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasting, working closely with operations and product teams on scenario planningOversee cash management, working capital, and funding decisions as the business scalesBuild and lead a lean finance team, defining processes and ensuring accuracy across reporting and complianceDrive commercial insight on unit economics, customer acquisition cost, and churn to inform product and go-to-market strategyEstablish governance frameworks and financial controls appropriate to the company's size and investor expectationsPartner with external advisors on audit, tax, and regulatory obligations
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification7+ years in finance leadership roles, with 3+ years at CFO or Finance Director level in a SaaS or high-growth technology businessProven ability to build finance teams and systems from the ground upComfortable with board-level stakeholder management and investor relationsStrong technical accounting and FP&A skills, with proficiency in financial modelling and systems integrationCommercial mindset: able to balance rigour with pragmatism in a fast-moving environment ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £150k - 165k per year
Posted: 2026-10-05 17:58:32
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Harper May is working with a London-based media and events business that produces and distributes content across multiple channels and live platforms.
Founded over a decade ago and backed by experienced media operators, the company has built a strong market position through direct audience relationships and diversified revenue streams.
Recent expansion into new event formats and geographic markets has accelerated growth, but it has also highlighted the need for stronger financial infrastructure and strategic planning capability.
The business is now seeking a Finance Director to lead this function and become a trusted financial partner to the executive team.
The RoleReporting to the Managing Director and working across the leadership group, you will own the complete finance remit.
This combines building financial strategy that supports growth, managing multi-stream P&Ls across content and live operations, and ensuring the finance team and processes can scale with the business.
You will be hands-on in the detail whilst operating at a strategic level.
Develop and own financial strategy, supporting profitable growth across content production, distribution, and event deliveryBuild accurate budgets and rolling forecasts across diverse revenue lines; manage cash and working capital closelyPartner with operational teams on event margin, pricing decisions, and cost management across production and deliveryLead management reporting, financial analysis, and insight to support confident decision-making by the leadership teamOversee statutory reporting, audit liaison, tax planning, and regulatory complianceRecruit, develop, and lead the finance team; embed robust processes and controls as the business scales
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with proven senior finance leadership experienceTrack record in media, publishing, events, or similar businesses with multiple revenue streams and project-based operationsStrong commercial mindset; ability to balance creative and commercial priorities with financial disciplineExperience leading finance teams in dynamic, fast-moving environmentsComfortable communicating with boards and senior stakeholders; confident to challenge and advise ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £90k - 100k per year
Posted: 2026-10-02 17:58:34
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Harper May is working with a London-based asset manager managing in excess of £4bn in assets under administration.
The firm is founder-led, operationally mature, and has achieved steady organic growth over the past five years through disciplined investment strategy and strong client retention.
Recent fund launches and expansion into new strategies have created increased demand on the finance function.
The business is now seeking a Financial Controller to join the team and establish robust financial infrastructure as the organisation scales.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you will own all financial controls, period-end reporting, and the day-to-day operation of the accounting function.
You will sit between investment operations, fund administration, and senior management, ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and clear visibility of business performance across multiple fund vehicles and share classes.
Lead month-end and year-end close cycles, producing timely management accounts and statutory returnsDesign and maintain the control framework, including reconciliation protocols, segregation of duties, and audit trailsCoordinate external audit and regulatory submissions, acting as principal liaison with auditors and compliance teamsOversee fund accounting, NAV reporting, and performance attribution across all strategiesManage the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and intercompany transactionsIdentify process bottlenecks and lead automation and systems improvements to strengthen operational resilience
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualificationAt least seven years in financial control or accounting roles, ideally in asset management, fund administration, or investment servicesHands-on experience with period-end close, financial reporting, and internal controls in a regulated settingDemonstrable technical knowledge of fund accounting, NAV calculations, or performance reportingStrong stakeholder management and the ability to communicate financial issues clearly to non-finance leadersProactive problem-solver with a pragmatic approach to process design and continuous improvement ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £90k - 100k per year
Posted: 2026-10-02 17:58:31
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Harper May is partnering with a profitable, growing, PE-backed technology business based in south-west London.
The group operates across a multi-company structure serving regulated UK B2B markets, has grown rapidly through a mix of strong organic performance and selective acquisitions, and is now embarking on the next phase of scale under new institutional ownership.
A Head of Finance is being appointed to run the group finance function day to day, partner closely with the current CFO, and be developed as the longer-term CFO successor.The RoleReporting to the CFO, the Head of Finance will take hands-on ownership of the group finance function across the operating entities, lead consolidated reporting, FP&A and controls, and act as the finance lead on the group's post-deal priorities.
The role suits a fully qualified, fast-trajectory accountant currently reporting into a CFO or FD, who is ready to step into a true number-two seat with a clear path to CFO over the next 12 to 24 months.Key Responsibilities
Own the monthly group close and consolidated management accounts across multiple trading entitiesDeliver monthly reporting to the PE sponsor and quarterly covenant reporting to the group's lenderLead FP&A - annual budget, rolling forecast, 13-week cash flow, and clear budget vs forecast vs actual commentary for the boardPartner with the CFO on the post-deal value creation plan and investor reportingLead the integration of acquired businesses onto a single group accounting platformOversee statutory reporting, the group audit and tax compliance across the operating entitiesOwn cost control, cash management and working capital across the groupManage, develop and build out the group finance team across multiple sitesDeputise for the CFO at board and committee level as the role grows
What we are looking for
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)Currently reporting into a CFO or FD in a group environment, on a clear upward trajectoryHands-on experience of group consolidation across multiple trading entitiesPrior exposure to PE sponsor reporting and bank covenant reporting is strongly preferredStrong FP&A with the ability to explain variances crisply at board levelExperience of bringing multiple companies onto a single accounting platform is a plusHands-on team leader, comfortable owning the detail and the strategic picture in parallelBased within a comfortable commute of south-west London; office-first initially moving to hybrid
....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: Teddington, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £100k - 110k per year
Posted: 2026-10-02 16:33:56
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Harper May is working with a mid-market retail operator with a portfolio of established high-street brands and a network of over 150 stores across the UK.
The business is privately owned, cash-generative, and in the middle of a multi-year modernisation programme - upgrading supply chain infrastructure, expanding online channels, and rationalising the estate.
Following recent board changes, they are now seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy and bring fresh rigour to capital allocation and operational efficiency.
The Role
You will report directly to the CEO and sit on the executive committee.
The CFO role spans financial strategy, internal controls, capital planning, and stakeholder reporting.
The business is at an inflection point: the modernisation programme is live, store economics are under pressure in certain locations, and the board wants stronger financial discipline alongside measured growth in higher-performing channels.
This is a hands-on role - you will own the numbers, own the forecast, and own the conversation about where money should and should not be spent.
Build and own a three-year financial plan; stress-test assumptions around store productivity, working capital, and return on capital investmentLead monthly and quarterly performance reviews; challenge variances and feed insight into board papersPartner with operations and merchandising to understand inventory turn, shrinkage, and margin dynamics across the portfolioOversee the modernisation programme budget; track capex spend and ROI on new systems and store refitsManage relationships with the bank and external audit; ensure covenant compliance and clean reportingBuild a lean, capable finance team; recruit and develop the talent you need to run the functionLead cash management and work capital discipline; identify working capital levers across the business
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified; minimum ten years' post-qualification experienceProven CFO or senior FD track record in retail, consumer, or a similar operational business - not advisory or corporate financeHands-on experience with P&L ownership, stock management, and cash flow in a multi-unit retail environmentComfort with systems and process; some experience of finance transformation or ERP implementation is valuableBoard-level presence and the ability to explain financial strategy in commercial, not just accounting, termsPragmatic, direct communication style; you enjoy solving problems with colleagues from operations and merchandising ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £150k - 165k per year
Posted: 2026-10-01 17:58:36
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Harper May is working with a well-established consumer durables manufacturer, privately owned and trading profitably across multiple product lines.
The business has expanded steadily over the past three years through organic growth and selective acquisition, and operates from a central London hub with regional distribution.
The finance function is lean but robust, and they are now seeking a Finance Analyst to strengthen their analytical capability.
The RoleReporting to the Finance Controller, you will support financial planning, costing analysis, and monthly reporting across the business.
This role sits at the intersection of finance and operations, requiring you to translate business activity into clear financial insight and work confidently with non-finance teams.
Build and maintain financial models to support forecasting and scenario planningAnalyse product costing, gross margin trends, and pricing performance across the product portfolioSupport the monthly close cycle, including ledger reconciliations and commentary on variancesMonitor working capital metrics-cash conversion, inventory days, receivables-and flag trends to managementWork with operations and commercial teams to improve data quality and reporting accuracyIdentify and quantify cost reduction opportunities in procurement, logistics, and overheads
What we are looking for
ACCA, ACA, or CIMA part-qualified, finalist, or recently qualifiedHands-on experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or product-based environmentSolid grounding in product costing, margin analysis, and working capital managementProficient in Excel with the ability to build and troubleshoot financial modelsComfortable presenting findings to busy stakeholders and explaining numbers in commercial terms ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £45k - 50k per year
Posted: 2026-10-01 17:58:33
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Harper May is working with a founder-led financial services firm that has grown steadily over the past five years to £40m+ revenue.
The business operates across wealth management and corporate advisory, serving UHNW and institutional clients across Europe.
The team is lean and collaborative, with strong compliance credentials and a reputation for integrity.
As the firm scales, the finance function needs to evolve - they're now seeking a Finance Manager to build out reporting infrastructure and create the operational backbone to support continued growth.
The RoleYou will report to the Finance Director and own financial reporting, compliance, and team leadership in a regulated environment.
This is a hands-on role with real scope: you'll drive month-end processes, maintain control frameworks, and act as a trusted partner to the wider business.
The firm values technical rigour and commercial judgment equally.
Lead monthly close cycles and produce timely, accurate management accountsDesign and implement financial controls and balance sheet reconciliation proceduresManage statutory and regulatory reporting obligations within a compliance-first cultureOwn budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoringSupport external audit and coordinate regulatory submissionsDevelop and mentor junior finance staff as the team growsProvide commercial analysis to inform board-level decision-making
What we are looking for
ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with at least four years' post-qualification experienceBackground in financial services, wealth management, or regulated sectorsProven ability to lead month-end close and manage external auditor relationshipsStrong technical accounting foundation with a natural eye for control and complianceComfort engaging senior stakeholders and translating numbers into commercial narrativeMethodical, adaptable, and able to thrive in a growing, less formal environment ....Read more...
Type: Permanent Location: City of London, Greater London, England
Salary / Rate: £65k - 75k per year
Posted: 2026-09-28 17:58:41
