At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support growth initiatives in a dynamic, creative environment.
- Company: Atrium, a family-owned business focused on design and innovation.
- Benefits: 28 days leave, private medical insurance, wellbeing leave, and more.
- Other info: Promote a positive culture and drive operational excellence.
- Why this job: Join a leadership team shaping the future of a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with significant finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Atrium, we value dynamic, creative individuals with a passion for learning and a commitment to our “One Team” spirit, which sits at the heart of how we work.
With roots deeply embedded in design and architecture, we believe that quality of light shapes quality of life and this principle drives both our culture and our craft.
Our working environment is built on creativity, collaboration and technical excellence, enabling us to deliver lighting solutions that make a genuine difference to colleagues, customers and the projects we support.
As a family‑owned business with ambitious growth plans, we combine entrepreneurial agility with long‑term thinking, a strong commitment to people, and a belief that better information leads to better decisions.
The Chief Financial Officer will be a key member of Atrium's Leadership Team, working in close partnership with the CEO and COO to shape the future direction of the business.
This is a broad executive leadership role extending beyond traditional finance.
It combines strategic leadership, commercial performance, financial discipline, governance and controls, operational support, data‑led decision making and organisational development.
The successful candidate will be an experienced financial leader with the ambition and capability to become a significant contributor to the long‑term leadership of the business.
They will combine strong financial judgement with a hands‑on approach, high integrity, commercial curiosity, emotional intelligence and a genuine interest in people, innovation, wellbeing and growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, COO and Leadership Team, providing sound financial, commercial and operational counsel.
- Contribute to long‑term business strategy, succession planning and the development of Atrium as a scalable, insight‑led organisation.
- Support growth initiatives, investment decisions, acquisitions, strategic partnerships and major commercial opportunities.
- Help develop leadership capability across the organisation, ensuring managers have the financial confidence, information and accountability required to make better decisions.
- Demonstrate the ambition and capability to become a significant long‑term contributor to the overall leadership and future direction of the business.
- Develop and implement the company's financial strategy in line with business objectives and growth ambitions.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and scenario modelling across the business.
- Produce timely, accurate and insightful monthly management accounts, Board reporting, KPI reporting and performance commentary.
- Actively manage and report on daily, weekly and monthly cash flow performance, ensuring clear visibility of liquidity, working capital requirements and funding headroom.
- Develop and monitor cash flow forecasts, budgets and performance targets, identifying opportunities to improve cash generation and optimise working capital.
- Own banking relationships, financing facilities, liquidity planning and relationships with external financial advisers.
- Oversee debtor collections, creditor payments, inventory investment, foreign currency exposure and supplier payment terms to maximise cash performance.
- Provide commercial analysis and financial insight to support pricing, margin improvement, profitability, resource allocation and investment decisions.
- Lead external audit, statutory reporting, tax compliance and other financial regulatory requirements.
- Governance, Controls & Risk
- Establish and maintain a robust internal control environment that provides appropriate checks, balances, transparency and accountability across the organisation.
- Ensure strong financial governance, operational controls, compliance processes and risk management frameworks are in place and actively monitored.
- Identify, assess and mitigate financial, legal, commercial, operational, systems, cyber, supplier and people‑related risks.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, tax, regulatory, employment and corporate obligations.
- Oversee insurance programmes, legal matters, contractual risk and relationships with external professional advisers.
- Provide appropriate challenge to business decisions where required, balancing entrepreneurial pace with disciplined decision‑making and proper control.
- Commercial Performance & Growth
- Support pricing, margin improvement, profitability analysis and resource allocation decisions across projects, brands, channels and functions.
- Develop KPI frameworks and performance measurement systems that enable more disciplined business management.
- Promote evidence‑based decision making using clear data, meaningful insights and practical commercial analysis.
- Partner with departmental managers to improve financial awareness, accountability and commercial judgement.
- Support contract negotiations, supplier agreements, customer terms, rebate arrangements and commercial models where financial expertise is required.
- Provide executive oversight of procurement policies, supplier management and purchasing disciplines.
- Develop inventory management strategies that optimise stock availability, customer service levels and working capital efficiency while minimising excess, slow‑moving and obsolete stock risk.
- Work closely with procurement, operations and sales teams to balance product availability, lead times, supplier commitments and cash flow requirements.
- Support commercial negotiations with key suppliers to optimise cost price, payment terms, currency exposure, supply continuity and overall return on stock investment.
- Ensure stock reporting and inventory KPIs provide clear visibility of value, movement, risk and future purchasing requirements.
- Insight, Data & Digital Transformation
- Champion business intelligence, data‑led management and improved management information across Atrium.
- Support ERP optimisation, reporting automation and appropriate AI or digital initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy and visibility.
- Ensure IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, business systems and data quality support operational excellence and future growth.
- Lead or sponsor continuous improvement projects that simplify processes, reduce manual work and improve decision speed.
- People, Culture & Values
- Oversee HR and talent development activities, ensuring Atrium attracts, develops and retains high‑quality people.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, engagement and leadership development.
- Champion and embody Atrium's values, promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, curiosity, continuous improvement, care for people and long‑term thinking.
- Promote a positive, values‑led and high‑performing culture that reflects Atrium's family‑owned identity and growth ambitions.
- Act as a visible, approachable and trusted senior leader across the business.
- Operational Support Functions
- Provide executive oversight and strategic leadership of Finance, HR, IT & Business Systems, Procurement, Facilities and Legal.
- Ensure these functions are appropriately resourced, professionally managed, efficient and aligned with Atrium's long‑term growth objectives.
- Work alongside the COO in the day‑to‑day management of the business, supporting operational decision‑making and driving business performance.
- Oversee company premises and facilities to ensure safe, compliant, efficient and cost‑effective operations.
- Support continuous improvement projects that enhance operational efficiency, service quality, profitability and scalability.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties.
The need for flexibility is required and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent
- Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Significant senior finance leadership experience
- Strong cash flow, working capital and commercial finance expertise
- Experience managing governance, internal controls, risk and compliance
- Experience leading or influencing multifunctional teams
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands‑on and close to the detail
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills
- Distribution, wholesale, import, project‑led or related sector experience
- Inventory management and stock optimisation experience
- ERP, business systems, automation or digital transformation experience
- Experience with banking facilities, foreign currency exposure or supplier‑finance considerations
- Personal Qualities
- High integrity and accountability
- Commercially curious beyond finance
- Hands‑on and pragmatic
- Collaborative team player
- Emotionally intelligent communicator
- Growth‑oriented and ambitious
- Comfortable with ambiguity
- Interested in innovation and human performance
What We Offer
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Dedicated wellbeing leave
- Private medical insurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Enhanced parental leave benefits
- Access to Perkbox discounts and rewards
Along with a range of additional benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work‑life balance.
If interested, please email Preena Devshi with your CV at preena. devshi@atrium. ltd. uk
Atrium is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, colour, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.
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Chief Financial Officer employer: Atrium
Atrium is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Global Labelling Specialist. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge labelling projects in the UK, ensuring both personal growth and meaningful contributions to the industry. With a focus on compliance and teamwork, Atrium provides a supportive environment where your expertise in regulatory labelling can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨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 Atrium. 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 Chief Financial Officer
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 Atrium.
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 Atrium'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 Atrium
✨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 Atrium.
✨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 Atrium 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 Atrium 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.