Job Description

Job Title:

Head of Finance

Hours:

40 hours per week - Monday-Friday (additional hours as required by the business)

Location:

Hybrid - primarily remote, with on-site presence required at our Cambridge Head Office for meetings and key business activities

Salary:

Based on experience - base salary + bonus + benefits

Line Manager:

Managing Director

The Organisation:

Lunchtime Company is a schools-only contract catering business based in Cambridge, working in schools across East Anglia and London. Our purpose is to make the lunchtime meal the highlight of the day for all pupils and our longer-term vision is to give all children a lifelong love of food and eating together. The company has an excellent reputation and an enviable record of customer retention. Currently working with 170 schools and with a turnover of 18 million, the company provides more than seven million freshly cooked meals each year. As part of our medium-term strategy, we aim to double our revenue over the next three years through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The organisational culture at Lunchtime Company fosters employee engagement, respect and a shared sense of purpose and is built on strong leadership and collaboration.

The Opportunity:

We're looking for a capable, hands-on Head of Finance to lead the day-to-day delivery of our finance and payroll function and drive improvements in reporting, systems, and internal processes. Reporting to the Managing Director and working with a small, talented and motivated team, this is a broad operational role offering real impact and visibility across the business.

The Head of Finance will play a key role in:

Leading, developing, and supporting the finance and payroll team. Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across the business in collaboration with key departments. Delivering timely, accurate monthly management accounts, including KPI dashboards, variance analysis, and actionable insights. Driving improvements in internal processes, including reporting cadence, reconciliations, and forecasting. Overseeing payroll operations (via Moorepay), ensuring outputs are accurate, compliant, and timely. Collaborating with and assisting other key functions (HR, Sales and Operations) to increase efficiencies. Managing and optimising key systems including Sage Intacct, Caternet, P2D, and Web Expenses. Exploring the use of AI and automation to streamline internal processes. Liaising with external accountants on statutory accounts and tax matters. Overseeing the external audit process and working with auditors to support robust compliance and financial governance. Ensuring compliance with VAT, PAYE, HMRC, Companies House and pensions regulatory obligations. Providing regular financial commentary to the Managing Director and senior team to support decision-making.

The Person:

We're looking for a proactive, detail-oriented finance professional who combines strong technical skills with a practical, collaborative approach. Ideally, you will have:

A recognised accounting qualification (ACMA, AAT, or equivalent) or be qualified by experience with a strong track record in similar roles. Solid experience in producing management accounts, cashflow forecasting, and supporting operational decision-making. Strong working knowledge of modern accounting systems -- Sage Intacct experience is a distinct advantage. Familiarity with outsourced payroll operations (e.g. using Moorepay or similar platforms) and a clear understanding of compliance in this area. Confidence working with cross-functional teams, supporting both finance and non-finance stakeholders with clarity and insight. A continuous improvement mindset -- always looking to refine processes, improve controls, and enhance reporting outputs. Demonstrable comfort with financial systems and tools; experience with automation, reporting dashboards, or system integration would be welcomed. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain numbers in plain English and influence with credibility.

The Package:

A competitive package including:

Competitive salary Annual bonus Enhanced holiday Employer pension scheme Flexible remote working, with periodic office attendance as required Death In Service Insurance

Please note: Due to high volumes of applications received, if you have not heard from us within two weeks of your application, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Work from home
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday No weekends
Application question(s):

Please attach a covering letter explaining why would like this role and why you are interested in joining Lunchtime Company.
Experience:

senior commercial finance: 5 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Cambridge CB5 (required)
Work Location: In person