At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and enhance reporting for a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic PE-backed manufacturing firm in Glasgow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a profitable company and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong operational finance experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a small team and influence senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 77000 £ per year.
Cedar has been exclusively engaged by a mid-market Private Equity firm in search of a Finance Director for a profitable c.£30m t/o Manufacturing business. This is a pivotal leadership role, partnering closely with a newly appointed CEO to help shape the next phase of the company's journey.
The Finance Director will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, enhancing financial visibility, and improving reporting and analytical capabilities across the business. This is not a 'pure strategy' role; the right person will be someone who thrives on rolling up their sleeves, embedding rigour and best practice, and building a scalable finance function to support future growth.
The Role:
- Assess team capabilities and implement improvements in reporting, analytics, and financial processes to strengthen business performance.
- Lead the production of timely and accurate financial information, including monthly P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and KPIs, to drive informed decision-making.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and planning processes aligned to the company's strategic goals.
- Manage working capital, treasury and banking relationships in a multi-currency environment.
- Maintain robust financial controls, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Partner with commercial and operational teams to identify efficiencies, support growth initiatives and drive margin improvement.
- Act as a key partner to the CEO and leadership team, evaluating business lines, products, and regional profitability to support investment and operational decisions.
- Support future M&A activity, including due diligence and integration planning.
- Lead and develop a small finance team, instilling a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Experience you will need to be successful in this role:
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with proven post-qualification experience.
- Strong background in operational finance, management accounting, and performance reporting.
- Exposure to Private Equity or similar investment-backed environments is advantageous.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate products, regions and business lines to support investment decisions.
- Hands-on and detail-oriented, with a rigorous approach to compliance and governance.
- Proven experience managing in a multi-currency, international business environment.
- Strong communicator with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders and drive change.
Finance Director employer: Cedar Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cedar Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial performance, recent news, and their strategic goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or driven operational excellence in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in operational finance and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and improve reporting.
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, focusing on your hands-on approach and experience in multi-currency environments. Don’t forget to mention your passion for driving change!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small finance team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've instilled a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as P&L statements, cash flow management, and KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a small finance team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past, instilled a culture of accountability, and driven continuous improvement. Highlight any experience you have in partnering with senior stakeholders, especially CEOs.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the manufacturing sector, particularly in a Private Equity context. Be prepared to discuss how you would assess team capabilities and implement improvements in reporting and analytics to enhance business performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage financial processes. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated budgeting, forecasting, or compliance issues, and be ready to share those stories in detail.