Celtic Renewables Ltd
Edinburgh, Midlothian
Celtic Renewables is widely regarded as one of the most innovative biotech companies in Europe, having developed a patented and proven process that converts biological residues from by-products and waste into sustainable green chemicals, driving the global shift to a circular economy. Our technology has successfully reinvented the century old Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation process, bringing it back to a global scale. As a world leader in re-establishing this process, Celtic Renewables operates from Scotland's first biorefinery in Grangemouth, at industrial and commercial scale. Acetone, butanol, and ethanol are found in thousands of everyday products, from cosmetics and medicines, to cleaning products and paints. By converting by-products and waste from industries such as food, drink, and agriculture into green chemicals (bio acetone, bio butanol, and bio ethanol), Celtic Renewables is providing access to cleaner, greener alternatives. Our existing plant operating at Grangemouth is the launch pad for our ambitious global growth plans. This commercial demonstrator facility is integral to the Group's current operations (both in the production of green chemicals and in supporting feedstock trialling activities) with learnings derisking our plans to build larger scale facilities across Scotland, the UK and internationally. Celtic Renewables is part of the Just Transition scheme in Grangemouth which makes it an extremely exciting time to join the team as we progress with plans to build for our first full-scale biorefinery. Significant progress is being made on the path to sanctioning this first full-scale development project in 2026. By joining Celtic Renewables, you'll be part of an innovative team working at a world-leading biorefinery, helping to lead the green chemical revolution. Job Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Group Head of Finance to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial operations of the organisation, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing strategic insights to support business growth. This position requires a strong background in financial management and proficiency in accounting processes and systems. The Group Head of Finance will be a self-starter and able to operate independently on BAU finance matters as well as working closely with the CFO on key finance projects/activities. The Group Head of Finance will be a member of the SLT (Senior Leadership team). Given the size of the team/growing organisation the ability to see the big picture and also be hands on and deliver in the detail as required will be key. The Company is on a growth journey and therefore the Group Head of Finance should have knowledge of what good looks like and the drive and enthusiasm to evaluate, plan, prepare and implement the foundations required to support growth as well as ensure a smooth growth transition (fit for purpose and scalable). Responsibilities Responsible for all day to day finance team activities within the Celtic renewables group. Lead the finance team in ensuring the accurate and time ous processing of all financial transactions with the group. Preparation of financial accounts and monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. Ensure timely completion of month end and year end closing processes and delivery of statutory reporting requirements (accounting and tax) pre delivery deadlines. Conduct regular financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with other departments to provide financial insights that support decision making. Liaise with external auditors during audits and ensure all necessary documentation is provided. Treasury/Cashflow management; maintain treasury cashflows and manage accounts payable and receivable processes to maintain healthy cash flow. Implement and maintain robust financial controls and procedures to safeguard company assets. Working with the Head of FP&A to ensure budget and business forecasting delivery within the group within required timeframes. Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and best practices in financial management. Establish the optimal financial reporting cadence within the group and develop business information/reporting within the group to ensure optimised decision making by the business. Maintaining relationships with banks/auditors/tax and other professional advisers involved in day to day finance operations. Key interface with the audit and risk committee with responsibility for co ordinating the requisite papers for committee submission. Support the CFO in the preparation of financial Board papers. Leadership; responsibility for leading and developing the finance team (currently one accounts assistant and additional consultant resource as required). Member of the SLT (Senior Leadership Team) who meet regularly and report/present at the ELT (Executive Leadership Team) as and when required. Work closely with Head FP&A to ensure streamlined reporting and papers within the business for optimised decision making. Ensuring the finance function plans and prepares for growth (systems/processes/people). Key support to CFO/undertake specific projects as directed by the CFO (eg funding, transformation activities). Developer and custodian of key financial processes within the business including DOA Education/Skills/Experience Qualified Accountant with 10+ post qualification experience Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast paced, dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration across departments and externally. Results focused to drive self and others to achieve agreed results. Ability to see the big picture and deliver in the detail. Strong leadership skills and a comfortable team player organisation wide. Proficiency in accounting software such as Xero (and other financial packages considering growth requirements) Solid understanding of all core aspect of an effectively functioning finance team (AP/AR/payroll etc) Strong technical accounting knowledge and reporting skills Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data. Attention to detail when required and a high level of accuracy in work output. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Effective planning, coordination and delivery skillset; can be relied upon to get the job done and on timetable. Strong optimisation and continual improvement ethos and the ability to identify, be comfortable with and drive change as required to deliver it. Flexible and adaptable remaining effective in changing work situations and times of uncertainty Why Celtic Renewables? This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to make a significant impact within our organisation by driving financial excellence. If you are passionate about all things finance and have the necessary expertise and aspire to be part of an exciting company on a growth trajectory, we encourage you to apply. Work at a world leading company: Work at Scotland's first and world leading biorefinery, using the ABE fermentation process to produce green chemicals. Be part of a purpose driven company and team: Help lead the green chemical revolution, contributing to the future of sustainable manufacturing. Contribute to real impact: Our green chemicals can be used in thousands of everyday products, helping to reduce the carbon footprints of the items we use in our daily lives. Opportunity to support finance function transformation and growth: Help to build a finance function that is growth ready and optimally integrated within the business to ensure delivery of both existing and future requirements. SLT Performance based bonus of 15% 33 days holiday per annum (including bank holidays) Private Medical Insurance for you and your family which includes dental and optical annual allowance Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution
Celtic Renewables is widely regarded as one of the most innovative biotech companies in Europe, having developed a patented and proven process that converts biological residues from by-products and waste into sustainable green chemicals, driving the global shift to a circular economy. Our technology has successfully reinvented the century old Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation process, bringing it back to a global scale. As a world leader in re-establishing this process, Celtic Renewables operates from Scotland's first biorefinery in Grangemouth, at industrial and commercial scale. Acetone, butanol, and ethanol are found in thousands of everyday products, from cosmetics and medicines, to cleaning products and paints. By converting by-products and waste from industries such as food, drink, and agriculture into green chemicals (bio acetone, bio butanol, and bio ethanol), Celtic Renewables is providing access to cleaner, greener alternatives. Our existing plant operating at Grangemouth is the launch pad for our ambitious global growth plans. This commercial demonstrator facility is integral to the Group's current operations (both in the production of green chemicals and in supporting feedstock trialling activities) with learnings derisking our plans to build larger scale facilities across Scotland, the UK and internationally. Celtic Renewables is part of the Just Transition scheme in Grangemouth which makes it an extremely exciting time to join the team as we progress with plans to build for our first full-scale biorefinery. Significant progress is being made on the path to sanctioning this first full-scale development project in 2026. By joining Celtic Renewables, you'll be part of an innovative team working at a world-leading biorefinery, helping to lead the green chemical revolution. Job Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Group Head of Finance to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial operations of the organisation, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing strategic insights to support business growth. This position requires a strong background in financial management and proficiency in accounting processes and systems. The Group Head of Finance will be a self-starter and able to operate independently on BAU finance matters as well as working closely with the CFO on key finance projects/activities. The Group Head of Finance will be a member of the SLT (Senior Leadership team). Given the size of the team/growing organisation the ability to see the big picture and also be hands on and deliver in the detail as required will be key. The Company is on a growth journey and therefore the Group Head of Finance should have knowledge of what good looks like and the drive and enthusiasm to evaluate, plan, prepare and implement the foundations required to support growth as well as ensure a smooth growth transition (fit for purpose and scalable). Responsibilities Responsible for all day to day finance team activities within the Celtic renewables group. Lead the finance team in ensuring the accurate and time ous processing of all financial transactions with the group. Preparation of financial accounts and monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. Ensure timely completion of month end and year end closing processes and delivery of statutory reporting requirements (accounting and tax) pre delivery deadlines. Conduct regular financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with other departments to provide financial insights that support decision making. Liaise with external auditors during audits and ensure all necessary documentation is provided. Treasury/Cashflow management; maintain treasury cashflows and manage accounts payable and receivable processes to maintain healthy cash flow. Implement and maintain robust financial controls and procedures to safeguard company assets. Working with the Head of FP&A to ensure budget and business forecasting delivery within the group within required timeframes. Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and best practices in financial management. Establish the optimal financial reporting cadence within the group and develop business information/reporting within the group to ensure optimised decision making by the business. Maintaining relationships with banks/auditors/tax and other professional advisers involved in day to day finance operations. Key interface with the audit and risk committee with responsibility for co ordinating the requisite papers for committee submission. Support the CFO in the preparation of financial Board papers. Leadership; responsibility for leading and developing the finance team (currently one accounts assistant and additional consultant resource as required). Member of the SLT (Senior Leadership Team) who meet regularly and report/present at the ELT (Executive Leadership Team) as and when required. Work closely with Head FP&A to ensure streamlined reporting and papers within the business for optimised decision making. Ensuring the finance function plans and prepares for growth (systems/processes/people). Key support to CFO/undertake specific projects as directed by the CFO (eg funding, transformation activities). Developer and custodian of key financial processes within the business including DOA Education/Skills/Experience Qualified Accountant with 10+ post qualification experience Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast paced, dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration across departments and externally. Results focused to drive self and others to achieve agreed results. Ability to see the big picture and deliver in the detail. Strong leadership skills and a comfortable team player organisation wide. Proficiency in accounting software such as Xero (and other financial packages considering growth requirements) Solid understanding of all core aspect of an effectively functioning finance team (AP/AR/payroll etc) Strong technical accounting knowledge and reporting skills Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data. Attention to detail when required and a high level of accuracy in work output. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Effective planning, coordination and delivery skillset; can be relied upon to get the job done and on timetable. Strong optimisation and continual improvement ethos and the ability to identify, be comfortable with and drive change as required to deliver it. Flexible and adaptable remaining effective in changing work situations and times of uncertainty Why Celtic Renewables? This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to make a significant impact within our organisation by driving financial excellence. If you are passionate about all things finance and have the necessary expertise and aspire to be part of an exciting company on a growth trajectory, we encourage you to apply. Work at a world leading company: Work at Scotland's first and world leading biorefinery, using the ABE fermentation process to produce green chemicals. Be part of a purpose driven company and team: Help lead the green chemical revolution, contributing to the future of sustainable manufacturing. Contribute to real impact: Our green chemicals can be used in thousands of everyday products, helping to reduce the carbon footprints of the items we use in our daily lives. Opportunity to support finance function transformation and growth: Help to build a finance function that is growth ready and optimally integrated within the business to ensure delivery of both existing and future requirements. SLT Performance based bonus of 15% 33 days holiday per annum (including bank holidays) Private Medical Insurance for you and your family which includes dental and optical annual allowance Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution