Finance Director (Ideal First-Time FD Opportunity) in Manchester

Finance Director (Ideal First-Time FD Opportunity) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 75000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Accountable Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance function and shape strategic financial plans for growth.
  • Company: Dynamic, privately owned organisation in Warrington with a focus on expansion.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Supportive team environment with clear paths for career progression.
  • Why this job: An exceptional chance to step into a pivotal leadership role and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance experience and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.

Warrington / Salary £75,000 - £85,000 plus benefits. We are proud to be exclusively partnering with our client who are a very successful, privately owned and expanding organisation based in Warrington. The business operates across the UK and as they move into their next phase of growth, they are looking to appoint an exceptional candidate to lead their finance function. This is a pivotal leadership role in a dynamic business - ideal for ambitious candidates who thrive in fast-scaling environments and enjoy operating at both strategic and hands-on levels.

The Finance Director will have full ownership of the finance function with influence at board level. Responsible for the company's financial systems, strategy, and statutory compliance. This will include overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management - with the opportunity to shape and modernise financial processes, systems, and MI. You will be working in a supportive leadership team that values finance as a strategic partner - acting as a key advisor to the board on commercial strategy and growth. This is a hands-on leadership role but with clear exposure to growth projects, acquisitions and long-term strategic planning. A role with real autonomy, visibility and long-term progression.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic & Commercial Leadership: Support the leadership team in developing and delivering strategic financial plans. Providing insight, analysis, and commercially focused recommendations. You will play a key role in shaping future growth initiatives and business planning.
  • Financial Reporting & Governance: Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, annual budgets, forecasts, and statutory accounts. Strengthen financial controls, policies, and governance across the organisation, ensuring full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements.
  • Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor a small finance team, creating a culture of continuous improvement. Developing capability in reporting, controls, and MI as the team evolves.
  • Cash & Risk Management: Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning. You will manage external relationships, including auditors and lenders. Manage banking relationships and ensure appropriate funding structures are in place.
  • M&A & Investment Support: Assist with due diligence, modelling and integration relating to acquisitions or future investment opportunities. Support corporate projects and strategic financial initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
  • Strong grounding in financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting and controls.
  • Experience operating at senior finance level (Head of Finance, Senior Finance Manager, Financial Controller).
  • Ideally with experience of managing banking relationships and working with external advisers.
  • Confident communicator with the ability to influence at board level.
  • Hands-on approach with the drive to build, improve and lead.
  • Involvement in acquisitions, funding discussions, or investment activity, is desirable.

To discuss this fantastic opportunity please contact Lauren Harrison at Accountable Recruitment on 07731 356 287.

Finance Director (Ideal First-Time FD Opportunity) in Manchester employer: Accountable Recruitment

Join a thriving, privately owned organisation in Warrington as a Finance Director, where you will have the unique opportunity to lead the finance function in a dynamic and fast-scaling environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values strategic financial leadership and offers clear pathways for career progression. Enjoy competitive salary packages and benefits while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business through innovative financial strategies and hands-on leadership.

Accountable Recruitment

Contact Details:

Accountable Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Director (Ideal First-Time FD Opportunity) in Manchester

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Accountable Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director (Ideal First-Time FD Opportunity) in Manchester

Financial Reporting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Statutory Compliance
Risk Management
Cash Flow Forecasting
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Accountable Recruitment.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Accountable Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Accountable Recruitment

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Accountable Recruitment.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Accountable Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Accountable Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.