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- Tasks: Lead the finance team and ensure the company's financial health while managing high-pressure periods.
- Company: Join an innovative environmental engineering consultancy making a positive impact in South West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, profit share, 25 days holiday, private medical, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic leadership team and influence strategic decisions in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Must have significant experience as a Finance Director or Head of Finance in an SME, ACA or ACCA qualified.
- Other info: Office-based role; must live within commuting distance to Richmond.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An innovative environmental engineering consultancy based in South West London is seeking a Finance Director to be part of their Senior Leadership Team, bringing financial acumen to the board whilst also proactively ensuring the company's long-term prosperity.
The Finance Director will also be responsible for managing and developing a small team to support the growth of the company, and will be hands-on in managing high pressure periods including month end, year end and annual budgeting, and providing meaningful analysis to the board and wider leadership team.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a similar Head of Finance or FD role in an SME professional services business/organisation, and will be used to being hands on in terms of managing the finance function whilst also leading strategically and managing a team. The role is office based so you will have to live within a commutable distance to the offices in Richmond.
The role is paying £90,000-£110,000 (depending on experience) and offers very good benefits including flexible working hours, profit share and bonus as well as 25 days holiday, private medical, 7% pension contribution and IoD training if required.
Required experience/skills:
- Proven experience as a Finance Director or a Head of Finance within an SME, ideally for a professional services company, with Senior Leadership Team/Board Level experience desirable.
- You must have a Bachelor's degree and be either ACA or ACCA qualified.
- Deep understanding of financial principles and practices, including strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and best practices, broad knowledge around corporation tax, employment taxes and VAT.
- General understanding of the broader legal framework (bribery, corporate crime, employment law etc.).
- Strong personal credibility and the gravitas to sit alongside and influence senior management, able to demonstrate the value of good financial controls and to promote these with authority, integrity and conviction.
- Commercially astute, entrepreneurial and dynamic, with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
- Evidence of business acumen and commercial focus, shaping KPIs to inform strategic reporting.
Finance Director employer: Ashdown Group
Contact Detail:
Ashdown Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs or professional services. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial management.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your discussions to show how your financial expertise aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their long-term prosperity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed a finance team or implemented strategic financial controls. Highlight your hands-on experience during high-pressure periods like month-end and year-end processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of UK accounting standards and tax regulations during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these areas in previous positions, as this knowledge is crucial for the Finance Director role.
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 as a Finance Director or Head of Finance, particularly in an SME professional services context. Emphasise your leadership roles and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as managing high-pressure periods and leading a finance team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your ACA or ACCA certification. Include your Bachelor's degree and any additional training or certifications that may be relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight: In your application, provide examples of how you've influenced senior management and shaped KPIs in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, which is crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashdown Group
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Finance Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed financial operations, implemented controls, or influenced strategic decisions.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since this role involves managing a small team, share your experiences in leading and developing finance teams. Discuss how you've motivated your team during high-pressure periods like month-end and year-end, and how you foster a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Research the consultancy's mission and values before the interview. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their long-term prosperity through strategic financial management.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to UK accounting standards, corporation tax, and employment taxes. Brush up on these topics and be ready to provide insights or solutions to hypothetical scenarios that may arise during the interview.
