Head of Finance

OverviewThe Ascot Group is a small but ambitious family owned group of companies specialising in marketing, technology and property. We are now seeking an experienced, hands-on Head of Finance to take responsibility for day-to-day financial operations while also providing insight and strategic financial support to the CEO as we launch an ambitious growth plan.You will lead a finance team, run the month-end process, manage cashflow, oversee compliance, and ensure strong financial discipline — while also stepping up to support long-term planning, banking relationships, investment discussions, and group-wide decision-making.The role requires someone equally comfortable producing the numbers and explaining what they mean.Key ResponsibilitiesHands-On Financial Management (Primary Focus)Lead the daily financial operations across all trading and property entities.Produce accurate monthly management accounts, KPIs, balance sheets, and meaningful analysis.Oversee sales ledger, purchase ledger, reconciliations, payment runs, and internal controls.Run the rolling 13-week cashflow and manage short-term cash decisions.Take ownership of VAT, PAYE/NIC, year-end processes, and statutory compliance.Maintain and improve purchase order systems, approval workflows and internal checks.Ensure accurate, timely payroll through oversight of HR/payroll administration.Financial Leadership & Business PartneringProvide insight, commentary, and analysis to support the Directors.Lead budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and scenario modelling.Support commercial decisions, pricing strategies, investment cases, and performance reviews.Contribute to board-level reporting and financial presentations.Banking, Treasury & Investor SupportManage banking relationships, funding facilities, and refinancing.Support meetings with lenders, brokers, advisors, and potential investors.Prepare financial packs, forecasts, and models for external stakeholders.Property Finance and ManagementManage property company finances including mortgages, repayments, refinancing, and broker engagement.Support development or refurbishment projects with cashflow monitoring and cost control.Ensure accuracy of rent schedules, service charges, and property-related financial processes.Oversee compliance and legal matters, working with agents, solicitors and brokersSystems, Controls & Continuous ImprovementStrengthen financial systems, processes, and internal controls across all companies.Improve reporting capability, automation, and data accuracy.Support future upgrades to financial or operational systems.Take a leadership role in the management and improvement of our CRM platform for workflow management and customer relations, including analysis/reportingCorporate Services LeadershipEnsure payroll accuracy and support managers with HR-related documentation.Work closely with leadership to maintain strong organisational discipline, performance metrics and complianceLiaise with third-party partners in the UK and overseasTeam ManagementLead, support, and develop the finance team, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and accountability.Provide coaching and structure to build capability across the function.Qualifications & ExperienceYou will be a CIMA qualified accountant or have the equivalent proven experienceStrong SME or multi-company background; comfortable working at both detail and strategic levels.Experience with property finance, service-led sectors or tech/SaaS beneficial.Strong modelling, forecasting, analytical, and reporting capability.Comfortable managing banks, lenders, brokers, and external advisors.Proven leadership in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.Personal AttributesHands-on, detail-focused, and operationally strong.Commercial thinker who can translate numbers into meaningful insight.A steady pair of hands, not easily ruffled in a fast-paced environment.Pragmatic, proactive, resilient, and able to challenge constructively.Solution oriented – you know there are usually several solutions to any circumstances.Comfortable switching between operational detail and strategic support.A good communicator, able to present and inspire team members.Positive energy with desire to learn and improve.A team player, keen to participate and support others.You will live in close commuting distance of Worle (BS22 6WA)The PositionSalary circa £50k PA depending on experienceReporting directly to the CEO23 days holiday rising to 28, plus bank holidaysFull office-based, at our HQ in Worle, near Weston-super-Mare with on-site car park and adjacent to mainline train station39 hours per week – office hours are 8:30pm to 5pm (4pm Fridays)Participation in a new Employment bonus/share schemeNO AGENCIES PLEASE>