Careers

Head of Finance

Job Types: Part-time (approx. 3 days / 21–24 hours per week)
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 FTE
Work Location: Helston, Cornwall
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Application deadline: 22 June 2025

About the job
We are seeking a commercially minded and strategic Head of Finance to lead the financial direction and performance of the company. This senior role will work closely with the Company Directors to shape financial direction and ensure the business is operating efficiently and compliantly.

The role includes strategic financial leadership, oversight of international financial operations and management of robust financial controls to support business objectives.

As Head of Finance, you will focus on high-level planning, strategic forecasting, funding, and compliance, while overseeing and supporting the Finance Manager in operational accounting.

Key Responsibilities

– Develop and implement financial strategies that support the company’s long-term goals and growth.

– Lead on financial modelling, scenario planning, and business development.

– Manage cash flow forecasting, cash and liquidity management, ensuring adequate funding for operational needs within bank facilities.

– Oversee the management of accurate and timely financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts.

– Review monthly reports prepared by the Finance Manager to provide strategic advice.

– Monitor and advise on the financial impact of operational and strategic decisions.

– Financial management of company assets and liabilities, within bank facilities, to include bank accounts, stock, trade loans, CBILS etc.

– Preparation of year-end accounts ready for submission to Companies House.

– Manage corporate tax planning and submissions, incorporating R&D tax credit refunds (CT600, P11D).

– Oversee financial operations of linked companies internationally.

– Ensure compliance with local, national and international financial regulations and standards.

– Manage relationships with banks and financial institutions, including negotiation of credit facilities or funding arrangements.

– Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring robust governance and internal control frameworks.

– Manage currency exchange risks and develop strategies to protect against international financial risks.

– Manage the capital structure and determine the appropriate capital mix.

– Lead, mentor and develop the finance team to ensure high performance and professional growth.

What you’ll bring to Fourth Element

– ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified or equivalent

– Proven experience in a senior finance role with strategic responsibility

– Strong knowledge of financial regulations and standards, including IFRS and GAAP

– Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

– Excellent analytical, strategic planning and organisational skills

– High level of integrity and professionalism

Drysuit Designer & Pattern Specialist

Job Types: Full Time/Maternity Cover (18 months) with potential of long-term employment
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000
Work Location: Helston, Cornwall
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Application deadline: 08 June 2025

About fourth element
fourth element is a marketing-leading dive equipment and water sport apparel company, dedicated to creating products that perform in the most demanding environments whilst minimising our impact on the environment.

Our products are sold in 58 countries and our immersion and surface drysuits are used by military, professional and public safety personnel as well as the recreational water-sport enthusiast.

About the job
As Drysuit Designer and Pattern Specialist, you will play an important role in the development, refinement, and optimisation of patterns for our high-performance drysuits.

This position requires significant expertise in advanced pattern-cutting and experience of using industry standard pattern software.

A solid understanding of drysuit materials, construction techniques, and functional demands would be a great advantage; but training in drysuit specific construction and demands can be provided.

Your work will be central to ensuring that every design meets exacting standards of fit, durability, comfort, and performance, contributing directly to the quality of our products and the satisfaction of our customers.

Key Responsibilities

Use our system of creating made-to-measure drysuits for individual customers using Grafis software, ensuring precision and adherence to specifications.

– Use our system to utilise advanced photogrammetry software to interpret customer measurements accurately.

– Drive the creation of patterns and features as part of new product development initiatives, contributing innovative ideas and solutions.

– Evaluate customer fit and effectively implement adjustments based on detailed feedback to achieve optimal outcomes.

– Collaborate closely with other members of the Drysuit Dept’ to develop and refine the made-to-measure drysuit patterns.

– Foster strong communication and build robust relationships with suppliers to ensure seamless collaboration and material sourcing.

– Liaise with internal teams to ensure pattern solutions align with commercial and end-user requirements.

– Ensure that all patterns adhere to exacting quality standards, with a focus on durability, performance, and ergonomics, enhancing product reliability and customer satisfaction.

What you’ll bring to Fourth Element

– Professional qualifications or equivalent professional experience commensurate with the job.

– Experienced in using pattern cutting software; ideally ‘Grafis’ to create bespoke garments, but applicants with experience in other industry standard pattern software such as Gerber etc. will be considered.

– A good understanding of pattern cutting, garment construction and manufacturing processes.

– Experience of manufacturing drysuits or developing technical outdoor garments for men and women would be an advantage.

– An understanding and / or appreciation of technical fabrics

– Methodical approach to work with considerable attention to detail.

– Ability to be adaptable and work to deadlines

– Good communication skills and ability to work within a team

– Experience of using a drysuit or of SCUBA diving is an advantage, or at least a willingness to learn to dive and understand more about the product.

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Where you’ll be working
These roles will be based in our head office in Helston, Cornwall

Benefits:

– Casual dress

– Company pension

– Additional holidays for length of service

– Cycle to work scheme

– Employee discount for personal and gift use

– On-site parking

– Sick pay

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We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

To apply for any of these roles, please email your CV to julia@fourthelement.com