Head of Finance

Elemis; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading skincare company based in Bristol seeks a Head of Finance to oversee financial reporting, compliance, and a team of accountants. The ideal candidate is a fully qualified accountant with extensive experience in management accounting and audits, capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment. This position offers hybrid work flexibility and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Generous Staff Discount

Excellent well-being policies

Company Pension Scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading audits and managing multi-entity reporting (UK & US preferred).
• Strong technical knowledge of FRS 102 and UK GAAP.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and consolidation of monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts.
• Oversee internal controls and governance for the financial reporting process.
• Manage compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Management Accounting

Financial Control

Audit Management

Excel

Leadership

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Dynamics 365

NetSuite

Job description

Head of Finance

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Office, Bristol

Description

The Head of Finance is a senior operational finance leader responsible for ensuring robust financial control, accurate management reporting, and full compliance across the ELEMIS group, alongside the Head of Transactional Finance.

This role plays a pivotal part in supporting a fast‑growing skincare brand by delivering reliable financial information, maintaining strong governance, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting to the parent company.

Reporting to the Finance Director, the Head of Finance manages a team of four management accountants, oversees UK and Ireland management accounts, leads UK and Ireland reporting to group, and coordinates audits for the UK, US, and Ireland entities.

The Head of Finance will also lead on compliance with UK and US tax regulations, partnering with external advisors on cross‑border tax planning and transfer pricing.

This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role - ideal for an experienced finance leader who thrives on operational delivery, attention to detail, and team development within a fast‑paced environment.

This is a hybrid working role (which means three office days per week, and two days working from home), based in our Avonmouth offices.

What Will You Do?

1. UK and Ireland Financial Reporting & Group Consolidation

• Lead preparation and consolidation of monthly, quarterly and annual accounts.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of group reporting packs to the parent company, aligned with group policies.
• Maintain consistency and integrity between regional and group reporting.
• Partner with Group Finance to support consolidation, intercompany eliminations, and group‑level financial analysis.

2. Accounting Operations & Control

• Oversee the integrity of accounting processes and general ledger accuracy for the UK entity.
• Lead statutory audit processes for the UK, US, and Ireland, ensuring clean audit outcomes and proactive issue resolution.
• Ensure robust internal controls, balance sheet governance, and compliance with accounting policies.
• Manage intercompany reconciliations and oversee month‑end close processes across regions (UK lead).

3. Compliance & Tax

• Ensure full compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions (corporation tax, VAT, payroll, BEAT, etc.).
• Manage transfer pricing and cross‑border financial arrangements in coordination with external advisors.
• Oversee local filings and audit requirements for statutory entities in collaboration with advisors.

4. Cost Control (UK & Ireland Lead)

• Lead cost control initiatives across the business by monitoring spend plans, identifying variances, and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide insightful financial analysis to support commercial decision‑making and investment appraisals.

5. Process Improvement & Systems

(In collaboration with the Head of Transactional Services)

• Drive harmonisation of financial processes and controls across ELEMIS entities.
• Implement automation initiatives to streamline reporting and enhance data accuracy.

6. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop four management accountants, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance, professional development, and performance management support.

7. Other Responsibilities

• Ensure all relevant insurance policies are in place and reviewed annually.
• Liaise with external advisers to review contracts and evaluate financial implications.
• Ad hoc duties and projects within Finance and the wider business.

What we are looking for:

Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), ideally within FMCG, retail, or consumer brands
• Strong background in management accounting, reporting, and financial control
• Proven experience leading audits and managing multi‑entity reporting (UK & US preferred)
• Excellent technical knowledge of FRS 102 and UK GAAP
• Strong financial reporting, consolidation, and compliance expertise
• Advanced Excel and ERP system experience (SAP, NetSuite, or equivalent)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SAP Concur is helpful

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑oriented and highly organised
• Hands‑on, proactive, and able to work under pressure
• Strong communicator who can explain financials clearly to non‑finance colleagues
• Collaborative leader who builds trust and motivates teams
• Positive, solutions‑driven, and adaptable to change

Performance Indicators

• Timely and accurate delivery of monthly management accounts
• Successful audit completion with minimal adjustments
• Compliance with group and statutory reporting deadlines
• Effective cost monitoring and control
• Development and retention of a skilled, motivated finance team
• Implementation of improved controls and streamlined processes

What we offer you!*

• Generous Staff Discount on all your favourite ELEMIS products and spa treatments, as well as discounts on L'OCCITANE Group products (including L'Occitane, Erborian and more)
• Excellent well‑being policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity policies, Income Protection, Life Assurance and more
• Generous Holiday Allowance, increasing with length of service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan (with Dental)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme for all Associates and their families
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Season Ticket Loan, Length of Service Awards
• Much, much more!

*Some benefit eligibility is based on length of service or contract type