At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a dynamic, multi-jurisdictional organisation.
- Company: Join Cognition, a forward-thinking company with a focus on strategic growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to influence major decisions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and drive performance at the highest level.
- 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 Finance Director - Strategy & Governance in Manchester employer: Cognition Learning Group
Cognition is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, ideal for finance leaders looking to make a significant impact. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer opportunities to influence strategic decision-making at the highest level while ensuring robust financial governance across our international operations. Our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement creates a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director - Strategy & Governance 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 brushing up on your financial strategy knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced key business decisions in the past and how you can bring that expertise to Cognition.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams or projects successfully. Highlighting your ability to develop high-performing teams will resonate well with the senior leadership team.
✨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 our team at Cognition.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Finance Director - Strategy & Governance in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group Finance Director role. Highlight your leadership experience, financial control expertise, and any relevant international exposure 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. Share specific examples of how you've influenced strategic decisions and driven performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t shy away from including examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Cognition!
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 and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence strategic decisions in the past. This shows you can provide the clear financial insight they’re looking for.
✨Understand Their Business
Research Cognition thoroughly. Understand their business model, recent developments, and challenges they face in the multi-jurisdictional landscape. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex financial scenarios. Prepare examples from your experience where you’ve successfully led budgeting, forecasting, or compliance initiatives. This will highlight your strategic finance leadership skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Cognition is looking for a collaborative leader. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed high-performing teams and influenced stakeholders at the executive level. Share specific examples that illustrate your pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
