Harper May Ltd

Harper May is partnering with a long-established, multi-site care and residential services business with its head office in central London. The organisation operates a portfolio of high-quality residential settings across the UK, backed by charitable ownership and a strong balance sheet, and has invested consistently in its estate, its people, and the quality of care delivered. As the group continues to invest in the estate and refresh the operating model, a Finance Director is being appointed to lead the finance function and act as a senior commercial partner to the CEO and the wider leadership team. The Role Reporting to the CEO and working alongside the executive team, the Finance Director will lead the finance function end to end, own strategic financial planning, and act as the CEO's principal partner on commercial, operational and investment decisions. The role blends strong technical and reporting ownership with a genuinely strategic remit, and offers the opportunity to lead the finance function of a well-capitalised, purpose-led group. Key Responsibilities Lead the finance function end to end and act as principal finance partner to the CEO and Board Own strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and long-range modelling Own the group management accounts, statutory reporting and annual audit Partner with the CEO and operational leadership on commercial and investment decisions across the portfolio Own treasury, cash management and capital planning across the estate Lead on financial due diligence and evaluation of investment, refurbishment and estate decisions Strengthen financial controls, systems, policies and process across the group Provide clear and confident financial reporting into the Board and its committees Line-manage, develop and grow the finance team What we are looking for Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with a strong technical foundation Prior experience leading a finance function in a multi-site, operationally-led environment Track record of partnering with a CEO and executive team at Finance Director level Prior exposure to care, healthcare, hospitality, real estate-backed operating businesses or a charitable group is preferred Strong strategic and commercial mindset alongside genuine reporting and controls ownership Confident, considered communicator, comfortable presenting to a Board Practical, hands-on leader with a real interest in the operational side of the business

Harper May is partnering with an established, profitable UK health and nutrition business based in Reading. The business has been trading for over a decade, is bootstrapped and privately owned, and has grown rapidly year on year across both its retail and direct-to-consumer channels. With clear plans to double revenue over the next three years and scale meaningfully across the coming decade, partly through selected acquisitions, the founder is now bringing finance in-house for the first time and appointing a Head of Finance to lead the function end to end and partner closely on the commercial and strategic agenda. The Role Reporting directly to the CEO and Founder, the Head of Finance will lead the finance function as the first senior in-house hire. The role covers everything from ownership of month-end, management accounts and reporting through to commercial partnering, strategic planning, and support on selective acquisition activity. There is real scope to shape the function and grow the team as the business scales, alongside a genuinely hands-on remit. Key Responsibilities Lead the finance function end to end and act as the CEO's primary finance partner Own the month-end close, management accounts and financial reporting to the founder and board Bring the currently outsourced management accounts fully in-house and build a robust reporting framework Own budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial modelling for growth and acquisition scenarios Partner with operations, commercial and marketing on P&L, contribution margin and unit economics Support the founder on strategic planning, funding options and selective acquisition activity Establish financial controls, systems and processes fit for the next phase of scale Manage the external audit, tax and statutory reporting relationships Build out and mentor a small in-house finance team over time What we are looking for Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with a strong technical foundation Prior experience running a finance function in an SME, scale-up or founder-led business Commercially minded and comfortable being close to the numbers while thinking strategically Track record of building process, controls and reporting from a standing start Prior experience in consumer products, e-commerce, food or FMCG is a plus Confident partnering with a founder and non-finance leaders Based within a reasonable commute of Reading, with hybrid flexibility

Harper May is partnering with a well-established international business headquartered in Southend, operating across multiple European markets through a network of trading and holding entities. The group has grown steadily over many years, with the European division now representing a material part of the wider footprint and continuing to expand across the region. As the finance function scales in step with the group, a Group Financial Controller is being appointed to take ownership of the consolidated group reporting and to lead on controls, process and technical accounting across the wider structure. The Role Reporting to senior Group Finance leadership, the Group Financial Controller will own the consolidated month-end and year-end close across the group's UK and European entities, lead on technical accounting and statutory reporting, and drive the ongoing strengthening of controls and process across the finance function. The role blends technical depth with real breadth, and offers a genuinely broad Group remit for a strong, fully qualified accountant looking for meaningful ownership within an international group. Key Responsibilities Own the group consolidated month-end close, management accounts and reporting pack Lead on year-end, statutory reporting and the group audit across UK and European entities Own technical accounting across the group, including revenue, leases, foreign currency and consolidation Manage multi-entity, multi-currency reporting, intercompany balances and FX Strengthen financial controls, policies and process across the group finance function Partner with local finance contacts and external advisors across the European jurisdictions Support tax reporting, VAT compliance and transfer pricing across the group Support budgeting, forecasting and ad-hoc commercial analysis at group level Line-manage and develop the group finance team over time What we are looking for Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with a strong technical foundation Prior experience of group consolidation across multiple entities and currencies Strong technical accounting knowledge and audit experience, ideally from a top-tier practice background Track record of leading on statutory reporting and group audits Experience of international group structures, VAT and intercompany is preferred Practical, hands-on and organised, comfortable being close to the detail while managing multiple workstreams Based within a reasonable commute of Southend, with hybrid flexibility

Harper May is partnering with an evolving financial services organisation to appoint a strategic Finance Director . As the business enters a pivotal growth phase, this role will be instrumental in enhancing financial visibility, driving performance, and maturing the firm's finance capability within a regulated landscape. The Role Reporting to the Executive leadership, the Finance Director will assume full accountability for the finance function. This high-impact role requires a leader who can balance technical financial control with the foresight needed to drive strategic initiatives. You will act as a key architect in the firm's development, ensuring finance is a value-adding partner to the wider business. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Direct and evolve the finance function to support long-term scaling and corporate objectives. Commercial Insight: Provide high-level intelligence to the Executive team, identifying profitability drivers and advising on business performance. Reporting & Analysis: Oversee the delivery of comprehensive management information and board packs, ensuring clarity on the firm's financial trajectory. Planning & Forecasting: Lead budgeting and long-term financial planning cycles, aligning fiscal strategy with growth targets. Systems & Process: Proactively implement improvements to financial systems, automation, and reporting frameworks. Capital & Cash Management: Rigorously monitor cash flow, liquidity, and the firm's overall financial position. Governance & Control: Maintain the highest standards of financial integrity and robust controls in line with regulatory requirements. Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating complex data into strategic narratives. Team Development: Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and commercial curiosity. Candidate Profile Qualifications: Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant post-qualification experience. Sector Expertise: Proven track record at a senior level (FD or Head of Finance) within Financial Services or a similarly regulated environment. Strategic Vision: A leader who looks beyond the ledger to provide genuine commercial direction. Technical Mastery: Exceptional reporting and analytical skills with a meticulous approach to data integrity. Leadership: Strong experience in professionalising finance teams and developing talent. Communication: An influential communicator capable of building immediate rapport with Board-level stakeholders.

A scaling, product-led technology business is strengthening its leadership team as it moves into its next stage of growth. With increasing operational complexity and continued investment in product development, the business is focused on improving financial visibility, tightening control, and ensuring decision-making is supported by clear commercial insight. They are now seeking a Head of Finance to lead the finance function and provide robust financial and commercial oversight as the organisation continues to develop. The Role Reporting to the CEO and working closely with senior stakeholders, the Head of Finance will take ownership of financial operations, reporting, and commercial insight. This role blends hands-on leadership with strategic input, supporting decision-making across product development, commercial planning, and growth initiatives, while ensuring governance and reporting remain scalable. Key Responsibilities Lead day-to-day financial operations, reporting, and control across the business Produce accurate management accounts with clear analysis and commercial insight Own budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management Partner with senior leadership on pricing, unit economics, and growth initiatives Provide financial insight on product development, investment, and scaling decisions Build, manage, and develop the finance team and external advisers Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and scalable reporting processes Oversee statutory reporting, audit processes, and compliance with accounting standards Support fundraising activity, investor reporting, and stakeholder communication Candidate Profile ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified Background in technology, software, or high-growth, product-led businesses Strong commercial mindset with experience supporting scaling organisations Hands-on leader with strong technical accounting and reporting capability Confident communicator able to work closely with senior stakeholders Experience operating in investor-backed or high-growth environments is desirable

Harper May is partnering with a fast-growing and innovative Media & Events company that has recently completed a major acquisition, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's most dynamic players in the sector. With ambitious plans to expand into new markets over the next five years, the business is now seeking an experienced FP&A Manager to help shape financial strategy and support ongoing commercial success. Role Overview: The FP&A Manager will work closely with senior leadership to deliver robust financial planning, accurate forecasting, and insightful analysis. This role will play a central part in driving efficiency, profitability, and long-term business growth during a pivotal stage in the company's development. Key Responsibilities: Support the development of medium and long-term financial plans in collaboration with senior leadership Lead budgeting processes and ensure alignment across departments Provide insightful analysis on market trends, competitor activity, and performance drivers Deliver monthly forecasting and financial reporting across revenue, cost, and margin metrics Manage and develop a team of four, including finance and purchasing functions Conduct margin analysis to support commercial and operational decision-making Support finance systems reporting; experience with SAP, F&B Shop, or Opera is desirable Key Requirements: Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) Proven experience in an FP&A leadership role, ideally within media, events, or a fast-paced commercial environment Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills Strong analytical and commercial acumen Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills Well-organised with a hands-on and proactive approach

Retail moves quickly, and the finance function has to keep pace without losing control. This business is strengthening its financial leadership to support performance, margin discipline, and confident decision-making as trading activity continues to develop across both store and digital channels. They are now seeking a Financial Controller to lead day-to-day finance delivery, improve reporting quality, and provide clear insight to senior stakeholders. The Role Reporting to the Finance Director, the Financial Controller will take ownership of financial reporting, controls, and governance, while managing a dedicated finance team. The role combines strong technical oversight with commercial partnering, supporting planning, working capital discipline, and stakeholder reporting within a fast-paced retail environment. Key Responsibilities Prepare management accounts and Board-level reporting to support decision-making and performance review Lead budgeting and forecasting processes, aligning plans with business objectives Oversee revenue recognition processes and maintain strong supporting documentation and controls Manage investor reporting requirements, ensuring clear and consistent performance insight Monitor working capital on a regular basis, focusing on cash, accrued income, and debtor balances Oversee payroll, pensions, tax compliance (including VAT and corporation tax), and treasury processes Lead statutory reporting and manage the year-end audit process Maintain strong financial controls, governance, and balance sheet integrity Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team Candidate Profile Proven experience as a Financial Controller within retail or a product-led environment ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with strong technical accounting and reporting capability Experience supporting investor reporting is advantageous Strong Excel and financial modelling capability Confident communicator able to work effectively across departments and with senior stakeholders Detail-focused, with the ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment