Head of Finance Values-Led Design Firm London

Head of Finance Values-Led Design Firm London (Hybrid)

The Client

Harmonic are pleased to be working with a well-established and widely respected design firm based in London. Known for their values-led approach, the practice has built a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, impactful work across a broad range of sectors - from urban regeneration to cultural and residential projects. At the heart of everything they do is a genuine commitment to environmental sustainability.

With a projected turnover of £10 million this year and steady growth ahead, the team are now looking for an experienced and strategic and operational finance professional to join the business. This is a key role that will work closely with the Directors, helping to shape the firm's financial strategy and provide insight to support decision-making across the practice. It's a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on, wants to have a real impact, and values working in a business with a clear sense of purpose.

The Role

This Head of Finance position is ideal for a well-rounded professional who's confident managing both day-to-day finance operations and long-term planning. You'll take the lead on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, while overseeing payroll, VAT, HMRC obligations, and quarterly management accounts with detailed commentary. You'll also oversee the sales and purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, credit control, and project profitability tracking, ensuring financial processes run smoothly and support the wider business goals.

Alongside the operational responsibilities, you'll act as a strategic partner to the leadership team - providing clear, data-driven recommendations and identifying key financial risks across accounting, treasury, tax, and internal audit. This is a hands-on role with real influence, offering the chance to contribute to a forward-thinking business that places equal importance on purpose, people, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company's long-term goals
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, delivering insightful financial analysis to inform decision-making
• Provide strategic financial recommendations to the senior leadership team, grounded in robust data and performance insights
• Oversee all core financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, treasury, tax, and internal audit
• Manage financial risks across the business, including market, credit, and operational exposures
• Supervise day-to-day financial processes, including the sales and purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, and credit control procedures
• Prepare accurate and timely quarterly management accounts, including detailed commentary on financial performance
• Manage payroll, VAT submissions, and all HMRC compliance requirements
• Lead on company cash flow management and long-term budget planning
• Track project profitability to ensure commercial viability and highlight areas for improvement
• Prepare for the financial year-end and liaise with auditors as needed
• Collaborate with teams across the business to support effective financial decision-making and drive operational efficiency
• Lead and develop the team, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement

What our client would like to see (required):

• Fully qualified accountant or Qualified By Experience (QBE)
• Experience in a creative professional service SME
• Excellent communication skills

What we would like to see (preferred):

• Experience within the architecture, interior design, or construction industries
• Experience in a sole finance role

Start date: Flexible

Location: London

Working Model: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 + discretionary bonus + benefits

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.