Finance Director in Knutsford

Amelia Knight Group is a leading beauty and cosmetics manufacturer and supplier with operations across multiple legal entities and manufacturing activities in both the UK and China.

The business is focused on strengthening financial discipline, improving visibility of performance and delivering sustainable growth.

As part of this journey, we are seeking an experienced Finance Director to lead the day-to-day finance function, provide robust financial control and ensure the business has accurate, timely and meaningful financial information to support decision-making.

This role will be supported by external commercial finance expertise as required, allowing the Finance Director to focus on the operational and financial leadership of the Group.

Role Purpose

The Finance Director will lead the Group's finance function and be responsible for the day to day financial management of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance function across the Group.
• Ensure the delivery of accurate, timely and insightful financial information.
• Provide financial support and guidance to the CEO and wider leadership team.
• Develop and maintain strong financial controls and governance across all legal entities.
• Drive accountability and financial discipline throughout the organisation.
• Own the monthly management accounts process and ensure accurate reporting of business performance.
• Produce monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Analyse financial performance and identify key trends, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain robust balance sheet controls and reconciliations.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial data and reporting.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
• Take ownership of Group cash flow forecasting and management.
• Provide a clear and forward-looking view of cash requirements and liquidity.
• Monitor and improve working capital performance.
• Manage banking relationships and treasury activities.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls are maintained around cash management.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Lead the annual budget and forecasting processes.
• Work with department leaders to develop realistic and achievable financial plans.
• Monitor performance against budget and forecast.
• Identify variances and provide recommendations for corrective action.
• Lead, manage and develop the finance team.
• Oversee management accountants and all finance operations.
• Build capability and succession within the finance function.
• Establish clear objectives, accountability and performance standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Operational Finance
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and transactional finance activities.
• Ensure efficient financial processes and controls are in place.
• Support improvements in systems, reporting and finance processes.
• Drive efficiencies across the finance function.
• Compliance & Audit
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the year-end audit process.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors and professional advisors.
• Ensure timely submission of statutory accounts and tax returns.
• Maintain appropriate financial policies and procedures.
• International & Group Oversight
• Provide oversight across the Group's five legal entities.
• Support financial control and reporting for UK and China manufacturing operations.
• Ensure consistency of financial processes and reporting across the Group.
• Monitor and manage financial risks associated with international operations.
• Candidate Profile
• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Finance Director, Financial Controller or Senior Finance leader.
• Strong technical accounting and financial control expertise.
• Experience producing high-quality management accounts and financial reporting.
• Proven cash flow management and forecasting expertise.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Experience working across multiple legal entities.
• Experience working in a fast paced business environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within manufacturing, consumer goods, FMCG or retail sectors.
• Exposure to UK and overseas manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing finance through periods of business change and growth.
• Experience working with external advisors, auditors and banking partners.

Maintains rigorous financial discipline and attention to detail while ensuring that financial information is accurate and reliable.

Leadership

Builds and develops effective teams, creating accountability and high performance.

Organisation & Delivery

Able to manage multiple priorities and consistently deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced environment.

Communication

Communicates clearly and effectively with both financial and non financial stakeholders.

Ownership

Takes responsibility for outcomes and demonstrates a proactive, hands on approach.

• Success Measures (First 12 Months)
• Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
• Establish clear visibility and control over Group cash flow.
• Strengthen financial controls and governance across all entities.
• Improve forecasting accuracy and budget management.
• Develop a high-performing finance team.
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory obligations are met.
• Provide the CEO and leadership team with reliable financial information to support decision-making.
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