Group Head of Finance

Job Title: Group Head of Finance
Location: Hybrid (UK-based preferred)
Reports To: CEO
Companies: Penman Consulting Group

Role Overview:
The Group Head of Finance will be responsible for the overall financial leadership, strategy, planning, and governance of both Penman Consulting and Active Steward. This is a senior leadership role requiring hands-on oversight of the day-to-day finance operations while also contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term planning across the group.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute group-wide financial strategy aligned with business goals and growth objectives.
• Provide strategic insights and financial analysis to support investment, expansion, and operational initiatives.
• Support the CEOs and Boards in budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and business planning.
• Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, management accounts, cash flow, and treasury for both companies.
• Manage budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis processes.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in consolidated reporting across entities.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements in the UK and any other jurisdictions in which the group operates.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies during audits and reporting cycles.
• Maintain up-to-date financial policies and procedures across the group.

Operational Finance

• Manage accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and expense processes.
• Oversee and optimise financial systems, tools, and integrations (e.g., accounting platforms, ERP systems).
• Support procurement and contract financial reviews.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop finance staff and external providers (e.g., accountants/bookkeepers).
• Act as a key liaison between finance and other departments including HR, operations, and technology.
• Present regular financial updates to stakeholders and provide input for investor or client reporting where needed.

Skills & Experience:

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with at least 5-10 years of senior finance experience.
• Proven experience managing finances across multiple entities or a group structure.
• Strong understanding of UK financial, tax, and regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act operationally.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in consultancy, scientific services, ESG, or SaaS environments.
• Knowledge of R&D tax credits, grants, or other innovation finance mechanisms.
• Familiarity with financial technology platforms and automation.
• Language skills in French, Dutch, or Flemish is a distinct advantage, reflecting the group's international operations.
• Knowledge of Belgian financial, tax, and regulatory environments is highly beneficial, particularly in support of cross-border compliance and operational alignment.

If you have any queries, please contact us.