At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations in a growing multi-site SME.
- Company: Dynamic company with exciting growth opportunities and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to influence business success.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional development and travel.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team and make a real impact on financial performance.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in an SME environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Package: Salary up to £100k
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Reporting to: Managing Director / Board
Job type: Permanent, Full-Time - at least 3 days on site, with some travel
Our Client: Our client is a growing multi-site SME with an annual turnover of approximately £40m. Operating across multiple UK locations, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth and development and is seeking an ambitious finance leader to join the senior leadership team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded and qualified finance professional to step into a Finance Director position within a growing organisation. The role combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational involvement, offering significant visibility and influence across the business.
Key responsibilities- Acting as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to business strategy and growth initiatives;
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning processes;
- Providing financial insight, analysis and commercial support to drive performance across the organisation;
- Overseeing the production of monthly management accounts, board reporting and financial analysis;
- Ensuring robust financial controls, governance, compliance and risk management processes;
- Managing cashflow, working capital and funding requirements;
- Leading statutory accounts preparation, audit processes and tax compliance;
- Taking ownership of financial systems, databases and reporting infrastructure;
- Driving automation, process improvements and enhanced management information capabilities;
- Providing leadership for IT systems and supporting technology improvement initiatives;
- Working closely with operational teams across multiple sites to improve financial visibility and control;
- Leading, mentoring and developing the finance team;
- Supporting continued business growth through strategic and operational financial leadership.
As Finance Director, you will be an ambitious and commercially focused finance professional who enjoys operating in a fast-paced SME environment. You will be equally comfortable contributing at board level while remaining hands-on when required.
Key attributes- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA);
- Minimum three years' post-qualification experience (PQE);
- Proven experience operating as a Financial Controller within an SME environment;
- Strong systems expertise with a track record of improving reporting and business processes;
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach;
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills;
- Enthusiastic, personable and collaborative leadership style;
- Full UK driving licence, occasional European travel;
- Proactive, self-motivated and adaptable approach;
- Comfortable working across multiple sites and engaging with non-finance stakeholders.
Finance Director employer: Artemis Clarke
Join a dynamic and growing multi-site SME in High Wycombe, where as a Finance Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and driving business growth. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, you'll have ample opportunities for professional development and leadership within a team that is committed to excellence. Enjoy a competitive salary package and the chance to make a significant impact in an exciting phase of the company's evolution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨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 Artemis Clarke. 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
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 Artemis Clarke.
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 Artemis Clarke'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 Artemis Clarke
✨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 Artemis Clarke.
✨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 Artemis Clarke 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 Artemis Clarke 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.
