At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and influence key decisions at the executive level.
- Company: Join Cognition, a dynamic organisation focused on international growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape financial governance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and team growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
At Cognition, we are looking for an exceptional Group Director Finance to join our senior leadership team, reporting directly to the CFO. This is a high-impact opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and enjoys influencing strategic decision-making at the highest level. As a trusted deputy to the CFO, you will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening governance, and supporting international growth across a complex, multi‑jurisdictional organisation. You will work closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leadership teams to deliver clear financial insight, drive performance, and ensure robust financial control across the Group.
What You'll Be Doing
- Strategic Finance Leadership
- Act as a trusted deputy to the CFO, leading in their absence where required
- Support Board and executive discussions with clear, commercially focused financial insight
- Provide strategic financial leadership across the Group to support long‑term growth objectives
- Partner with senior stakeholders to influence key business decisions
- Financial Control & Compliance
- Ensure accurate and timely Group reporting across multiple jurisdictions
- Oversee balance sheet integrity, financial controls, and audit processes
- Lead statutory reporting, tax compliance, and governance across international entities
- Drive continuous improvement in financial risk management and compliance standards
- Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
- Influence major commercial decisions through robust financial analysis and modelling
- Support pricing strategies, profitability analysis, and contract performance
- Partner with operational and business development leaders to improve commercial outcomes
- Deliver actionable insight to drive operational performance and margin improvement
- Planning, Performance & Cashflow
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning across the Group
- Provide forward‑looking financial visibility to support strategic decision‑making
- Manage cash flow, treasury activities, and financial risk, including FX exposure
- Monitor business performance and identify opportunities for efficiency and growth
- Finance Transformation & Systems
- Drive improvements across financial systems, processes, and reporting capabilities
- Enhance data quality, accessibility, and business visibility
- Support scalable growth through automation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Champion best practice financial governance and operational efficiency
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CAANZ, or equivalent)
- Degree in finance, accounting, business, or equivalent experience
- Senior finance leadership experience within international or multi‑entity organisations
- Strong expertise in financial control, reporting, forecasting, and compliance
- Commercial finance experience, including modelling, pricing, and business partnering
- Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams
Skills
- Strong analytical capability with exceptional attention to detail
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence and challenge at executive and Board level
- Commercially minded with sound judgement and decision‑making ability
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, evolving environments
- Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused approach
You are a strategic and commercially astute finance leader with strong technical capability and a collaborative leadership style.
Group Director Finance in Manchester employer: Cognition Learning Group
Cognition is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for finance leaders to thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to influence strategic decision-making at the highest level while supporting international growth across a complex organisation. Our commitment to financial excellence and governance ensures that you will be part of a team that values innovation and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director Finance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at Cognition. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Cognition's recent financial strategies and challenges. This will help you showcase your strategic insight and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced financial decisions and led teams in previous roles. This will highlight your leadership style and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team at Cognition.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director Finance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group Director Finance role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant financial achievements to catch our eye!
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, showcasing your strategic mindset and how you can influence decision-making at the highest level.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can demonstrate strong analytical capabilities. Include examples of how you've used data to drive performance or improve financial outcomes in previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity with Cognition.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognition Learning Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Director Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Cognition's business model and be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to influence strategic decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Cognition is looking for someone who can lead and develop high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, particularly in fast-paced environments, and how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders with your insights.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex financial scenarios. Think about past experiences where you've had to make tough decisions or navigate financial challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Understand Their Strategic Goals
Research Cognition’s current financial strategies and growth objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their international growth and financial governance.
