Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage a small team in a dynamic consultancy.
- Company: Join an innovative environmental engineering consultancy in South West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, profit share, 25 days holiday, and private medical cover.
- Why this job: Be part of a Senior Leadership Team making a real impact on the company's future.
- Qualifications: Must have significant finance experience, ACA/ACCA qualification, and a Bachelor's degree.
- Other info: Office-based role; commutable distance to Richmond required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An innovative environmental engineering consultancy based in South West London is seeking a Finance Director to be part of their Senior Leadership Team, bringing financial acumen to the board whilst also proactively ensuring the company's long-term prosperity. The Finance Director will also be responsible for managing and developing a small team to support the growth of the company, and will be hands-on in managing high pressure periods including month end, year end and annual budgeting, and providing meaningful analysis to the board and wider leadership team.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a similar Head of Finance or FD role in an SME professional services business/organisation, and will be used to being hands on in terms of managing the finance function whilst also leading strategically and managing a team. The role is office based so you will have to live within a commutable distance to the offices in Richmond.
The role is paying £90,000-£110,000 (depending on experience) and offers very good benefits including flexible working hours, profit share and bonus as well as 25 days holiday, private medical, 7% pension contribution and IoD training if required.
Required experience/skills:
- Proven experience as a Finance Director or a Head of Finance within an SME, ideally for a professional services company, with Senior Leadership Team/Board Level experience desirable.
- You must have a Bachelor's degree and be either ACA or ACCA qualified.
- Deep understanding of financial principles and practices, including strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and best practices, broad knowledge around corporation tax, employment taxes and VAT.
- General understanding of the broader legal framework (bribery, corporate crime, employment law etc.).
- Strong personal credibility and the gravitas to sit alongside and influence senior management, able to demonstrate the value of good financial controls and to promote these with authority, integrity and conviction.
- Commercially astute, entrepreneurial and dynamic, with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
- Evidence of business acumen and commercial focus, shaping KPIs to inform strategic reporting.
Contact Detail:
Ashdown Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the environmental engineering sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who might have insights into the company culture and expectations for the Finance Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's recent projects and financial performance. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure situations. The role requires someone who can lead strategically while being hands-on, so be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with UK accounting standards and best practices, especially those relevant to professional services. This knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise and ability to contribute effectively to the Senior Leadership Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Finance Director or Head of Finance in an SME. Emphasise your leadership roles, financial acumen, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and influence senior management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your qualifications (ACA or ACCA), your deep knowledge of UK accounting standards, and how your commercial focus aligns with the company's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to financial principles, tax knowledge, and legal frameworks. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience in managing high-pressure periods like month-end and year-end processes.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since the role involves being part of the Senior Leadership Team, emphasise your experience in strategic decision-making and team management. Provide examples of how you've shaped KPIs and contributed to the long-term prosperity of previous organisations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashdown Group
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Finance Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed financial operations, implemented controls, or navigated complex financial challenges.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since this role involves managing a small team and being part of the Senior Leadership Team, share your experiences in leading teams effectively. Discuss how you've motivated your team during high-pressure periods like month-end and year-end, and how you foster a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the environmental engineering consultancy's mission and values. During the interview, align your answers with their goals, showcasing how your financial strategies can support their long-term prosperity and sustainability initiatives.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to engage in discussions about strategic financial planning and decision-making. Prepare to present your thoughts on shaping KPIs and how you would approach budgeting and forecasting in a way that aligns with the company's growth objectives.
