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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a high-growth SME preparing for private equity investment.
- Company: Join a well-established, profitable business with a strong market position and experienced leadership.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonus equity and the chance to shape a transformative growth journey.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in a company's evolution, driving impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience, ideally in PE-backed or high-growth environments.
- Other info: Engage with investors and support M&A activities while building systems for future success.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Finance Director
Artemis Executive Search has been retained by a high-growth SME to appoint a commercially focused Finance Director ahead of a significant private equity investment. The business is at a pivotal stage in its journey and will embark on an ambitious buy-and-build strategy, targeting multiple acquisitions over the coming years.
The Opportunity
Our client is a well-established, profitable business with a strong market position and a highly experienced leadership team. The incoming Finance Director will play a key strategic and operational role in preparing the business for investment, professionalising the finance function, and supporting the execution of acquisitions post-investment.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a private equity-bound business at the inflection point of a transformational growth journey.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Finance Leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, shaping financial strategy, commercial planning, and business growth initiatives.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive value creation plan aligned with private equity expectations and long-term growth goals.
- Define and track KPIs and performance dashboards focused on core value drivers such as occupancy, staffing ratios, and site-level EBITDA.
- Lead complex financial modelling to support strategic decisions, including growth forecasting, site expansion, and bolt-on acquisitions.
Financial Management & Control
- Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful monthly reporting, including P&L, cash flow, and variance analysis.
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance frameworks that meet PE-grade standards.
- Prepare and present board packs, investor updates, and liaise with external advisors (audit, tax, legal, due diligence).
- Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including statutory accounts, payroll, tax, supplier payments, and credit control.
Commercial Value Creation
- Provide commercial insight to support data-driven decisions around staffing models, pricing strategies, and margin improvement.
- Identify cost optimisation opportunities and inform procurement strategies.
- Build site-level performance visibility and directly link operational metrics to financial outcomes.
Systems & Process Optimisation
- Lead the transformation and scaling of finance systems to support multi-site operations and future acquisitions.
- Implement structured budgeting, forecasting, and BI tools appropriate for a growing, investor-backed group.
- Automate key finance workflows (e.g., invoicing, payroll, reporting) to drive efficiency and reduce reliance on manual processes.
M&A Execution & Investor Engagement
- Support all phases of M&A, from financial due diligence to integration of acquired entities.
- Engage with investors and external advisors on capital structuring, funding rounds, and investment cases.
- Play a key role in preparing the business for future liquidity events, including secondary buyouts or trade sales.
Candidate Profile
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a proven track record in senior finance leadership, ideally within a PE-backed or high-growth SME environment.
- Experience supporting M&A activity, including financial due diligence, integration, and funding structures.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to challenge and support cross-functional teams.
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on role, while building systems, teams, and controls for scale.
- Excellent communication skills with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders, including investors and board members.
Benefits:
bonus equity
Finance Director employer: Artemis Search & Selection Limited
Contact Detail:
Artemis Search & Selection Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity and finance sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company or the role. Building these relationships can provide you with valuable information and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s recent activities, especially regarding their growth strategy and any acquisitions they may be pursuing. Understanding their business model and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led financial transformations or M&A activities in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing KPIs and financial models that align with growth strategies, as this will resonate well with the expectations of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in finance technology and systems optimisation. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how you can implement efficient finance processes and tools will set you apart as a candidate who is ready to lead the finance function in a high-growth environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in senior finance leadership, particularly in PE-backed or high-growth environments. Emphasise your achievements in financial management, M&A activity, and strategic planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and ability to support cross-functional teams. Mention specific examples of how you've shaped financial strategies and contributed to business growth in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as financial modelling, KPI tracking, and systems optimisation. Make sure to demonstrate your hands-on approach and experience in building finance functions for scale.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with M&A activities and how you've engaged with investors. Prepare to articulate your vision for the finance function in a growing SME and how you can contribute to their ambitious buy-and-build strategy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Search & Selection Limited
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Before your interview, research the company’s market position and recent developments in the private equity space. Being able to discuss how the business can leverage its strengths for growth will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial modelling and reporting. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed financial operations and contributed to strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Finance Director, you'll need to act as a trusted advisor. Share specific instances where you've led teams or influenced senior stakeholders, highlighting your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly.
✨Prepare for M&A Discussions
Given the focus on acquisitions, be prepared to discuss your experience with M&A activities. Talk about your role in financial due diligence and integration processes, showcasing your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this area.
