At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive performance across a key operational division.
- Company: Join a growing, PE-backed organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, hybrid working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to multi-site operations and strategic growth initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic decisions and influence business performance.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
AtkinsClarke are supporting a growing multi-site organisation with the appointment of a Divisional Finance Director to provide strategic and commercial leadership across a key operational division. This is a highly visible leadership role, partnering closely with both the Managing Director and Divisional Operations Director to drive performance, support growth initiatives and lead financial decision-making across the division. The successful candidate will oversee one core business unit of c.£15m turnover alongside indirect responsibility for several additional entities across the wider division. With growth expected both organically and through acquisition, this role will play a pivotal part in shaping the future direction and performance of the business.
Our client is a PE-backed, established and growing business operating across multiple sites within a service‑led environment. With a broad customer base, ambitious leadership team and ongoing investment across the group, the organisation continues to evolve its structure and operational capability to support future growth. The business has developed a more commercially focused finance structure, positioning finance leaders closer to operational teams to improve decision‑making, accountability and overall business performance. This role forms part of that evolution and represents a key strategic appointment within the wider group.
As Divisional Finance Director, you will act as the lead finance partner for the division, supporting operational and strategic decision‑making while helping to drive profitable growth and performance improvements. The role will have broad responsibility across commercial finance, operational performance, leadership and strategic planning. Key responsibilities include:
- Partnering closely with the Managing Director and Divisional Operations Director
- Driving commercial performance across the division
- Supporting both organic growth initiatives and acquisition activity
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning processes
- Providing financial insight and challenge to operational stakeholders
- Supporting performance improvement initiatives across multiple sites
- Leading and developing a small team of Financial Controllers/business partners
- Reviewing financial performance, KPIs and operational reporting
- Supporting investment decisions, business cases and growth projects
- Ensuring strong financial governance and reporting standards across the division
- Acting as a strategic leader within the wider senior management team
This role offers significant exposure across the business and will suit someone who enjoys operating close to operations, influencing decision‑making and driving change within a growing organisation.
We're looking for a commercially focused finance leader who combines strong business partnering capability with strategic thinking and operational awareness. You will ideally bring:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification
- Previous experience operating within a senior commercial finance or divisional finance leadership role
- Strong business partnering and stakeholder management capability
- Experience supporting operational leaders within a multi‑site environment
- The ability to influence and challenge at senior leadership level
- Experience leading and developing finance teams
- A commercially minded and growth‑oriented approach
- Strong analytical, communication and leadership skills
Experience supporting acquisitive or evolving organisations would be highly advantageous.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a growing organisation in a key strategic finance leadership role with genuine influence across operational and commercial performance.
Salary up to £100,000
- Multi‑site and highly visible leadership role
- Exposure to strategic growth and acquisition activity
- Opportunity to influence operational and commercial performance
- Collaborative and forward‑thinking leadership environment
- Hybrid working with travel across the South East and wider group sites
At AtkinsClarke, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Atkins Clarke Ltd. Our Privacy Policy is available on request and explains how we will use your data.
Divisional Finance Director in Chelmsford employer: Atkins Clarke
AtkinsClarke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where finance leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing multi-site organisation. With a strong focus on employee development, strategic influence, and a commitment to inclusivity, this role as Divisional Finance Director provides not only competitive remuneration but also the opportunity to drive meaningful change across operations and commercial performance in the South East. Join a forward-thinking leadership team that values your insights and fosters professional growth in a service-led environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Finance Director in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its financial performance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their growth initiatives and how you can drive commercial performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams and influenced decision-making in previous roles. This is key for a Divisional Finance Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Finance Director in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Divisional Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and business partnering capabilities. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Quantify your successes where possible, like driving growth or improving performance. Numbers speak volumes, and we’re all about that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atkins Clarke
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Divisional Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as KPIs and budgeting processes. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and market position. Research their recent growth initiatives and acquisitions. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their strategic goals and support operational leaders effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading finance teams and how you've developed talent in the past. Think of specific examples where your leadership made a difference in performance or team dynamics, especially in a multi-site environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios where you've had to influence senior stakeholders or make tough financial decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
