GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR
Oxfordshire
£150,000 with hybrid working
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced Finance Director to join the leadership team at an exciting stage of growth. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Finance Director will oversee all financial aspects of the business, driving financial strategy, planning, performance, governance, and risk management.
As a key member of the executive team, the Finance Director will provide commercial insight to support strategic decision-making, maintain strong relationships with investors, lenders, auditors, and advisors, and ensure robust financial controls are in place to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.
The role leads a finance team of 4-5 employees.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Skills
- Broad financial and accounting expertise
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities
- Excellent leadership and organisational skills
- Proven ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to develop and deliver business plans
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Demonstrated experience in team development and leadership
Experience
- Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader within an SME or mid-sized business
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Experience managing banking facilities and lender relationships
- Experience working with investors, private equity, or funding partners desirable
- Strong commercial finance and business partnering experience
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Finance Leadership
- Provide overall leadership, management and development of the finance function
- Ensure the timely delivery of accurate management information, including monthly management accounts, forecasts, financial analysis and performance reporting
- Monitor financial performance, identify trends and recommend corrective actions where necessary
- Partner with the executive team to provide insight, challenge and support strategic decision-making
- Present financial performance, KPIs and forecasts to senior leadership, investors and stakeholders
Forecasting, Budgeting & Business Planning
- Lead the annual budgeting process
- Prepare rolling forecasts and scenario planning models
- Develop and maintain long-term strategic business plans
- Support business growth initiatives through financial modelling and commercial analysis
- Monitor departmental expenditure and identify opportunities for improved profitability and efficiency
Cash Flow & Treasury Management
- Manage short and long-term cash flow forecasting
- Identify liquidity risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Maintain appropriate funding and banking arrangements
- Ensure effective working capital management
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and annual audits
- Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements
- Manage relationships with external auditors and professional advisors
- Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance processes
Tax & Regulatory Compliance
- Oversee corporation tax, VAT, PAYE and other relevant tax matters
- Manage year-end tax compliance and submissions
- Coordinate with external tax advisors on specialist matters
- Monitor changes in legislation and ensure ongoing compliance
Banking & Investor Relations
- Manage relationships with banks, lenders, investors and funding partners
- Prepare and present financial updates, forecasts and business performance reports
- Support financing activities, refinancing projects and due diligence processes where required
Risk Management & Insurance
- Oversee the company's insurance programme and annual renewals
- Assess financial and operational risks and implement appropriate controls
- Ensure adequate insurance coverage is maintained across the business
Company Secretarial & Governance
- Ensure compliance with Companies House requirements and corporate governance obligations
- Oversee company secretarial matters and statutory filings
- Ensure all relevant returns and regulatory submissions are completed accurately and on time