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 leadership exposure.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic growth and operational performance.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with senior finance leadership experience.
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.
COMPANY
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.
OPPORTUNITY
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
PERSON
We're looking for a commercially focused finance leader who combines strong business partnering capability with strategic thinking and operational awareness.
- 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.
BENEFITS
- 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
Divisional Finance Director in Chelmsford employer: AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsClarke offers an exceptional opportunity for a Divisional Finance Director to join a dynamic, PE-backed organisation that prioritises strategic growth and operational excellence. With a collaborative work culture, competitive salary of up to £100,000, and the chance to influence key financial decisions across multiple sites, employees are empowered to drive performance and develop their careers in a forward-thinking environment. The company's commitment to ongoing investment and development ensures that team members can thrive while contributing to the future direction of the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Finance Director in Chelmsford
✨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 AtkinsRéalis. 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 Divisional Finance Director in Chelmsford
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 AtkinsRéalis.
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 AtkinsRéalis'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 AtkinsRéalis
✨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 AtkinsRéalis.
✨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 AtkinsRéalis 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 AtkinsRéalis 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.
