Job Description

Amber River East Anglia, part of the Amber River Group, provides high-quality, comprehensive independent financial planning advice to individuals, families and businesses across East Anglia. We have offices in Colchester, Claydon and Billericay.

The core purpose of the Amber River Group is to enrich the lives of clients, employees, and local communities. Amber River Group have over 300 IFA's across the UK working from 15 regional Hub's in 30 locations and growing! We have a values driven approach to creating bespoke financial plans for people who need our expertise by helping them plan for a life well lived.

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Finance to join our dynamic team working for our Amber River East Anglia hub. You will primarily be based in Colchester, however there may be a need to visit other office locations from time to time.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will develop and execute the finance team's overall vision, strategy and business plans for the long-term benefit of clients, employees and other stakeholders. You are responsible for managing, monitoring and reporting a variety of financial targets, overseeing all financial accounting and reporting systems. Working to increase the Hub's profitability by controlling and reducing costs, enhancing reporting and business analysis capability whilst also ensuring key financial risks are understood and managed appropriately.

Responsibilities

Responsible for all elements of the day-to-day management of the finance team, including: recruitment, training, development and retention. Production of monthly management accounts including P&L accounts, balance sheets and cash flows providing commentary on results and key variances, ensuing sufficient funds are available for operational needs. Managing cash flow and expenses by monitoring transactions and reviewing internal reports. Development of budgets and financial forecasts and presenting reports to management. Embed regulatory reporting framework under IFPR, including production of quarterly returns and preparation of wind-down assessments. Ensure maintenance of general ledger, with all financial transactions properly recorded, filed and reported. Prepare year end IFRS compliant financial statements. Act as a key point of contact for external auditors and management of the audit process. Review all financial plans and budgets to identify cost reduction opportunities. Oversee income reconciliation, ensuring adviser fees, commissions and client payments are correctly recorded and allocated. Ensure all financial operations comply with FCA regulations and other relevant financial legislation. Support financial due diligence for potential acquisitions, partnerships or new revenue streams. Drive continuous improvement within the finance team, identifying efficiencies relating to policies, procedures and internal controls. Provide financial analysis and insights to support business growth and investment decisions. Collaboration with the senior leadership team to ensure operational and financial KPI's are developed, reported against and controlled.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

Fully qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA or equivalent with at least 3 years post qualified experience. Experience within UK financial services regulated environment is preferred. Experience within Financial Service Intermediation / Wealth Management extremely desirable. Background of both financial and management accounting. Experienced user of general ledger and ERP systems, preferably Oracle NetSuite, and period-end accounting routines. Accomplished people manager / leader who can build teams and create followership in all members of the team towards a common vision. Superior business judgement; exceptional analytical, planning, decision-making and management skills; and exemplary communication and presentation abilities. Ability to create a culture of continuous improvement and agility within the team. IT literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Working autonomously in a fast-paced environment. High level of integrity. Strategic thinking.

What's in it for you

We take as much pride in what our people do outside of Amber River as we do in what they achieve with us, the communities that we support and the lives we enrich, all contributing to a positive impact on our planet. We are big on supporting our local communities and every employee is given paid Community Engagement Leave to take part in local initiatives. We also support a Hub chosen charity each year raising vital funds for a charity chosen by you.

If you meet the brief of what we are looking for, then we welcome your application and look forward to hearing from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Paid volunteer time Referral programme Sick pay
Application question(s):

Do you have experience of working with Oracle NetSuite?
Experience:

post-qualified : 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

ACA / CIMA / ACCA qualification (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 15/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025