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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations, driving strategic decisions and managing a small team.
- Company: Join a dynamic Nottingham service organisation focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape business strategy.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial leadership while influencing key business outcomes.
- Qualifications: ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified with strong commercial acumen and hands-on leadership experience.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with flexible working hours.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 76000 £ per year.
Job Description
Director of Finance & Operations
Location: Nottingham (Hybrid, 2–3 days in office)
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract (6 months)
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time or 4 days per week
Distinct is supporting a Nottingham Service organisation to recruit an interim Director of Finance & Operations to run and evolve the business's internal function to support future growth.
Reporting to the Board, you’ll take charge of day-to-day finance, provide commercial insight to drive decision-making, and help shape the future of the business.
This is a 70/30 finance to operations leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys getting stuck in while also thinking strategically. You’ll be hands-on with a small but capable team and will influence decisions at the highest level.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership of Finance & Operations Function
- Oversee daily finance operations, reporting, and controls
- Lead on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Provide commercial insight to link sales activity with financial outcomes
- Ensure internal operations are efficient and scalable
Team Management & Development
- Lead a team of 3 direct reports
- Coordinate with the external accounting partner
Strategic Finance & Planning
- Support leadership with long-term financial planning and scenario modelling
- Drive planning around pensions, and future structure
- Own finance projects and support key transformation initiatives
Commercial Insight & Advisory
- Partner with consultants (commercial, comms, insight) to shape pricing, performance, and margin strategy
- Work closely with the Director of Growth to align commercial goals and financial outcomes
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified ACCA/ACA/CIMA
- Strong commercial acumen
- Hands-on leader who can build structure while staying flexible
- Previous experience in a fast-growth SME or consultancy is desirable
- Comfortable working at pace with a mix of strategy and execution
- Strong communicator, capable of influencing at all levels
- Highly adaptable, resilient, and comfortable in ambiguity
Distinct Recruitment Privacy Policy
Director of Finance employer: Distinct Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Distinct Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and operations sectors, especially those who have experience in fast-growth SMEs. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial management and operations within service organisations. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial acumen during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and managed financial operations in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and ability to influence decisions at a high level.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current financial strategies and challenges. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their situation will show your genuine interest and readiness to contribute from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and operations leadership. Emphasise your qualifications, such as ACCA/ACA/CIMA, and showcase any previous roles where you managed teams or drove financial strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're the perfect fit for the Director of Finance role. Discuss your hands-on leadership style and how you've successfully linked sales activity with financial outcomes in past positions.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to influence decision-making at a high level. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
Showcase Adaptability: Given the fast-paced nature of the role, illustrate your adaptability and resilience. Provide examples of how you've thrived in ambiguous situations and led teams through change or growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Director of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong commercial insight. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where your financial strategies have positively impacted business outcomes.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading teams, especially in finance and operations. Share stories that illustrate how you've developed team members and improved operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around long-term financial planning and scenario modelling. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these tasks and align them with the company's growth objectives.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, showcase your ability to thrive in ambiguity. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous positions while maintaining flexibility.
