At Cervus, our mission is simple: to harness the power of data to transform military training and performance, turning insight into impact.

Based in the Southwest, with offices in Bristol and Westbury, we deliver high-impact analytics, technology, and consultancy solutions to UK and international defence customers. We are a fast-growing SME with ambitions to scale in the UK and overseas, and we are looking for exceptional people to help us realise that potential.

We’re looking for a pragmatic, collaborative, and mission-focused individual with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. This role will suit someone who is comfortable operating in an SME environment, where flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to contribute beyond a narrow functional remit are essential.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance to lead our financial function and support the continued growth and maturity of the business. As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide financial direction while remaining closely engaged with day-to-day activity.

This is a pivotal, hands-on role for a qualified finance professional who thrives in a fast-moving, scaling SME. You will enjoy bringing structure, discipline, and insight to complex operations, while also being prepared to support wider business needs as required. You will be highly detail-oriented, comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels, and capable of balancing accuracy with pace.

As an SME with an international client base, the role will also involve additional compliance and governance responsibilities, including areas outside traditional finance, e.g. export control. Training will be provided where required.

Financial Leadership:

Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue recognition, cash flow management, and statutory and management reporting.

Strategic Partnering:

Work closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to develop financial strategies that support growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

Controls and Process Improvement:

Design, implement, and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, resilience, and compliance.

Systems & Automation:

Own and optimise finance systems (e.g. Xero or similar), identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, and reporting quality.

Compliance & Governance:

Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, internal governance standards, and relevant regulatory frameworks.

Stakeholder Management:

Provide clear, timely, and actionable financial insight to support decision-making by internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles relevant to scaling SMEs
• Experience with R&D tax credit, including documentation and compliance
• Exposure to compliance frameworks, including quality standards and UK/international export controls (training available if needed)
• Experience supporting international operations and multi-currency accounting
• Familiarity with investment fundraising, investor reporting, and financial modelling

In addition to a competitive salary aligned with UK defence and analytics market benchmarks, we offer:

• EMI share options
• 24 days annual leave (increasing with service to 29 days) + 3-day festive shutdown
• Generous pension contributions
• Private healthcare and life insurance
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Salary sacrifice cycle-to-work and electric vehicle schemes
• £500 or 1-day volunteering allowance per year for a charity of your choice
• Extensive learning and development support

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported to thrive. We actively encourage applications from candidates with disabilities and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

CV shortlisting will begin week commencing 12 January.

For further information about the role, or to request reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact info@cervus.ai

Appropriate security clearance (or the ability to obtain it) is required.