Head of Finance
About the Role
Sewell Wallis is supporting a public sector organisation based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, with their recruitment of an experienced Head of Finance.
This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional with public sector experience who is looking to make a meaningful impact. We are seeking a well-rounded accounting leader with strong expertise across both management and statutory reporting, who enjoys contributing beyond the numbers.
In this role, you will be a trusted partner to the senior leadership team, providing insight that supports informed decision-making and helps shape the organisation's strategic direction. Your ability to influence, collaborate, and communicate financial information clearly will be key to driving positive outcomes.
You will also lead and develop a capable finance team, fostering a supportive and high-performing environment. With a continuous improvement mindset, you'll proactively review and refine processes, identifying opportunities to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and strengthen financial controls.
What will you be doing?
- Lead and support the Finance and Commercial team, creating a positive environment built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Help shape and deliver the organisation's financial strategy and annual budget, working closely with the CEO and leadership team to turn plans into action.
- Provide clear, insightful financial reporting, forecasting, and modelling to support confident decision-making at Board level.
- Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements and work in partnership with external auditors to ensure a smooth and effective audit process.
- Guide procurement and commercial governance activity, achieving best value while maintaining compliance with public sector requirements.
- Build strong, constructive relationships with auditors, banking partners, pension providers, and Government stakeholders.
- Champion sound financial stewardship across the organisation by strengthening internal controls and sharing financial knowledge and expertise.
What skills are we looking for?
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Experience within the public sector
- Confident working closely with the SLT and influencing decision making
- A strong team manager with experience managing a team of 7+
- Experience leading a finance function (or significant experience working as a deputy or number 2)
What's on offer?
- A competitive salary of up to £85,000
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays - including the opportunity to buy more!
- Hybrid working with 20-40% of time spent in the office
- Life Insurance
- Pension contributions
- Modern office space
Send us your CV below, or contact Inci Evcil for more information.
To apply please send your CV, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications please accept that if we have not responded to your application within seven days, your application has not been successful. Sewell Wallis is a specialist recruitment company with a vast amount of experience in our industry we offer permanent, temporary and interim recruitment support for accounting and finance, human resources and business support positions. We recruit at all levels within finance from Purchase Ledger Administrator and Credit Controller level through to Financial Controller and Director positions. With offices in Sheffield and Leeds, we are well situated to cover all of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Manchester. Please visit our website for more information on accountancy and finance jobs and human resources or business support positions.
