At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a high-growth SME preparing for private equity investment.
- Company: Join a well-established business with a strong market position and experienced leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape a transformative growth journey.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a pivotal moment for a company on the brink of significant expansion.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience, ideally in a PE-backed environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with investors and drive impactful M&A activities.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 Β£ per year.
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.
Finance Director in Belfast employer: Artemis Human Capital
Contact Detail:
Artemis Human Capital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Belfast
β¨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and donβt be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know!
β¨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around M&A and growth. We want you to showcase your commercial acumen and strategic thinking β make them see you as the perfect fit!
β¨Showcase Your Achievements
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in finance leadership. Use specific examples of how youβve driven value creation or improved financial processes. We want them to picture you leading their finance function with confidence!
β¨Apply Through Our Website
Donβt forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as weβre always looking for top talent to help businesses thrive. Letβs get you that Finance Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Belfast
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership, M&A activity, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your skills can help us navigate our ambitious growth journey. Keep it engaging and professional!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic mindset. Discuss how you've shaped financial strategies in previous roles and how you plan to contribute to our value creation plan. We love candidates who think big and act strategically!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Human Capital
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the business, such as EBITDA and cash flow. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
β¨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
This role is all about shaping financial strategy. Think about how you can articulate a comprehensive value creation plan that aligns with private equity expectations. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led financial transformations or M&A activities in previous positions.
β¨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key! Be ready to discuss how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders, including CEOs and board members. Share specific instances where your insights have influenced decision-making or improved financial governance.
β¨Demonstrate Hands-On Leadership
The company is looking for someone who can operate in a hands-on role while building systems for scale. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and optimising finance processes. Highlight any successful projects where you automated workflows or improved efficiency.