We are seeking an experienced, strategic Finance Director to lead our finance function and support the delivery of the organisation’s financial and business objectives. The successful candidate will provide clear financial leadership, ensure robust financial controls, drive timely and accurate management reporting, and act as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team. This role combines hands-on financial management with commercial insight, people leadership and the ability to influence across the business.

Key responsibilities – finance director duties and tasks

• Provide strategic financial leadership and act as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making.

• Develop and maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practice in financial governance.

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets, long-term financial plans and forecasts, working closely with operational leaders to translate strategy into financial targets and KPIs.

• Oversee month-end and year-end processes to ensure accurate and timely statutory accounts, management accounts and commentary for the board and stakeholders.

• Drive continuous improvement in financial reporting and systems, including the implementation and optimisation of ERP, accounting and business intelligence tools.

• Manage cashflow, treasury and banking relationships to safeguard the organisation’s liquidity and support investment decisions.

• Lead, coach and develop the finance team, setting clear objectives, promoting a culture of high performance and ensuring appropriate resource and succession planning.

• Provide commercial insight and decision support for business cases, pricing, cost control initiatives and capital projects, balancing risk and opportunity.

• Coordinate external audit, liaise with tax advisors and ensure compliance with Corporation Tax, VAT and other statutory obligations.

• Support organisational change projects by providing financial modelling, scenario analysis and benefits realisation tracking.

Skills and experience required – finance director experience and qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience in senior finance roles.

• Proven track record of leading finance functions, preferably within professional services, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience of budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and business partnering.

• Extensive experience of statutory reporting, audit processes, tax compliance and regulatory reporting in the UK.

• Proficient with finance systems and MS Office, particularly Excel; experience implementing or optimising ERP and BI solutions is desirable.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with experience of building high-performing teams and developing talent.

• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills; able to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance audiences including the board.

• Strong attention to detail, organised approach and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Personal attributes – finance director qualities

• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to high ethical standards.

• Collaborative and approachable, able to build credibility across all levels of the organisation.

• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable balancing day-to-day operational demands with longer-term transformation initiatives.

• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development for self and team.

What we offer – benefits for finance director

• Competitive salary and contributory pension scheme.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) and the option to buy/sell leave.

• Hybrid working pattern with a balance of office and home working.

• Private healthcare, employee assistance programme and wellbeing initiatives.

• Support for professional qualifications and continuing professional development.

How to apply – finance director application process

Please submit your CV and a concise covering letter outlining your relevant experience, leadership achievements and availability. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and may be asked to complete a short case study or financial exercise. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Equal opportunities and diversity – inclusive finance director role

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.