At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and compliance across a global finance team.
- Company: Dynamic organisation seeking a strategic finance leader.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, life assurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and growth.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with international finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location - UK based (Hybrid), Monthly meetings in Manchester and occasional overseas travel
Full-time Permanent
Salary - £80k–£90k plus benefits (depending on experience)
The opportunity
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 lead Group financial performance, control and compliance across a multi-jurisdictional environment, while providing commercial insight to support growth, drive profitability and strengthen decision-making across major contracts, tenders and strategic initiatives. A core part of the role is driving financial planning, cashflow management and finance transformation, strengthening systems, processes and team capability to support scalable international growth.
Leadership scope
You will lead a globally distributed finance team and work closely with senior leaders across the Group and corporate functions.
Key responsibilities
- Deputise for the CFO, providing strong financial leadership and continuity, including supporting Board and senior leadership discussions with clear financial insight
- Lead Group financial control, delivering accurate, timely and fully compliant reporting across all entities and jurisdictions, with strong balance sheet integrity and consistent application of controls and standards
- Oversee statutory, tax and compliance obligations across jurisdictions, proactively managing exposure and risk and maintaining high standards of governance
- Provide commercial business partnering, strengthening pricing discipline and improving profitability across major bids, tenders and contracts through insight and constructive challenge
- Lead financial planning and performance, delivering aligned budgets and forecasts with forward-looking visibility through scenario modelling and forecasting
- Own cashflow and treasury management, improving cash conversion, managing working capital and multi-currency operations, and mitigating key financial risks including FX exposure
- Ensure robust contract accounting and consistent revenue recognition across consultancy and government contracts, strengthening transparency and financial control across complex portfolios
- Drive finance systems and process improvement, improving the quality, timeliness and accessibility of financial reporting and reducing manual inefficiencies
- Build and lead a high-performing, internationally dispersed finance team, embedding accountability, commercial focus and continuous improvement across the function
Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CAANZ, or equivalent)
- Degree in finance, accounting, business, or equivalent experience
- Proven Group-level finance leadership within a multi-entity, international organisation
- Strong knowledge of international financial reporting, control and compliance (IFRS) across jurisdictions
- Demonstrable experience leading audit, statutory and regulatory compliance internationally
- Expertise in planning, forecasting, cashflow and treasury in multi-currency environments
- Strong commercial finance capability (pricing, modelling, contract risk)
- Experience leading high-performing, geographically dispersed teams
- Track record delivering finance transformation and scalable systems/processes
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave - plus bank holidays
- An annual day off for birthday leave, a wellbeing day and a day off for volunteering
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Program
Group Finance Director in Manchester employer: Cognition Learning Group
Join a forward-thinking organisation that values its employees and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. As a Group Finance Director, you will benefit from a competitive salary and an array of perks including generous annual leave, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic, hybrid work environment. With regular meetings in Manchester and the chance for international travel, this role offers a unique blend of local engagement and global influence, making it an ideal place for finance leaders looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director in Manchester
✨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 interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around financial planning and compliance. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your leadership style and how you can drive financial performance. Make sure you can articulate your vision for the finance team and how you’ll support the CFO in strategic decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Finance Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Group Finance Director role. Highlight your leadership in finance, compliance, and any international experience you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial leadership and how they align with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Commercial Insight:In your application, don’t forget to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Discuss how you've influenced strategic decisions in previous roles and how you can apply that insight to drive profitability and growth at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognition Learning Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the company and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role involves leading a globally distributed finance team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams across different locations, highlighting your ability to foster collaboration and accountability.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's market position and competitors. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic goals, especially in terms of financial planning and risk management.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in dynamic environments. Think about past challenges you've faced in financial leadership and how you navigated them, particularly in multi-jurisdictional contexts.
