Head of Commercial Finance

Head of Commercial Finance Location: Farnborough (2 days office in office, 3 days from home) Salary: £70,000-£80,000 + Benefits A leading UK financial advice business is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation as part of a wider group strategy. With significant assets under management, a strong corporate client base, and ambitious expansion plans (both organic and via acquisition), the business is investing in strengthening its commercial finance capability. This is a newly created, high-impact role reporting directly to the CFO. You’ll act as a strategic finance partner to the Executive Management Team, driving smarter commercial decision-making and leading the financial workstream on M&A activity. This is a rare opportunity to step into a true Head of Commercial Finance position offering board-level exposure, strategic influence, and hands-on deal involvement. What You’ll Be Doing Strategic Commercial Partnering Lead financial evaluation of key commercial strategies, growth initiatives, and new propositions Deliver detailed scenario modelling and risk/return analysis to support executive decision-making Provide forward-looking insight to ensure commercial performance aligns with financial targets Act as a trusted adviser to the CFO and senior leadership team M&A & Inorganic Growth Own all financial aspects of mergers & acquisitions activity Evaluate acquisition opportunities and support deal strategy Lead financial modelling, valuation support, and due diligence Provide financial input into negotiations and post-deal performance tracking Commercial Performance & Profitability Analyse revenue and profitability by customer segment, proposition, and distribution channel Identify opportunities to improve commercial performance and margin Support forecasting for new strategic initiatives and business cases Financial Governance & Leadership Ensure commercial inputs into strategic plans are robust and financially sound Maintain strong financial controls across commercial decision-making Work closely with the Financial Controller to help develop and upskill the wider finance team Deputise for the CFO when required Senior Stakeholder Engagement Present financial insight at Executive and steering committee level Contribute to ad hoc Board discussions Liaise with auditors, advisers, and wider group stakeholders on commercial finance matters What They’re Looking For Experience Strong background in commercial finance, FP&A, or finance business partnering Proven experience supporting strategic decision-making at senior leadership level Exposure to M&A, transactions, or financial due diligence highly desirable Financial Services experience essential, ideally within life, pensions, wealth, or advice Experience in growing or mid-sized businesses where youve taken a hands-on approach Skills Advanced financial modelling and scenario analysis Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate numbers into strategy Confident presenting to senior stakeholders and challenging constructively Excellent communication and influencing skills Qualifications Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) Package & Benefits Salary: £70,000£80,000 Private Medical Insurance Income Protection (75% salary) Life Assurance (4x salary) Critical Illness Cover Pension (6% employer / 3% employee) Hybrid working (2 days per week in Farnborough office)