At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage cash flow, and provide strategic insights in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join DP World, a global leader in trade and logistics with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal growth opportunities, and a dynamic work atmosphere.
- Other info: Onsite role in Manchester with limited travel across the UK and Ireland.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global trade while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance experience in logistics or service industries.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Director to join our senior management team at our Manchester office. This is a hands-on role responsible for managing the full finance function of the freight forwarding business for this area. The role combines strategic oversight with day-to-day financial operations, ensuring tight control of cash flow, profitability per shipment, and strong financial discipline across the business. You will work closely with operational and commercial teams, providing clear financial insight while remaining closely involved in the detail. This position is well suited to a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, operational environment and enjoys balancing strategic influence with hands-on delivery.
This role is based in our Manchester office and is onsite, with limited travel across the UK and Ireland.
How you will contribute:- Lead the full finance function, delivering monthly management accounts, year-end reporting, and robust balance sheet control.
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations including AP/AR, bank reconciliations, payroll, and monthly close/cut-offs.
- Ensure full compliance with IFRS, VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, and statutory reporting requirements.
- Actively manage cash flow and working capital, including credit control, DSO reduction, and supplier payments.
- Maintain sufficient liquidity to support freight prepayments and operational needs.
- Monitor and analyse profitability by shipment, customer, and department, providing clear commercial insights.
- Partner closely with Operations and Sales to ensure full cost recovery and margin protection.
- Drive cost control and efficiency improvements across overheads and operations, in line with head office controls.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting (REF), including system uploads and presentations to senior management.
- Own and improve finance systems (Sage/ERP), manage external auditors, and lead the finance team or function.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Senior finance experience in both an SME (hands-on role) and corporate environment would be beneficial.
- Background in freight forwarding, logistics, or similar service-based industry.
- Strong cash flow and working capital management experience.
- Strong data modelling and analysis.
- Ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation package.
Financial Director employer: DP World
Contact Detail:
DP World Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and logistics sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them thrive. Bring specific examples of how you've managed cash flow or improved profitability in past roles to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! In your conversations, highlight your ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operations. Talk about your familiarity with finance systems like Sage/ERP and how you’ve led teams to success in previous positions.
✨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 DP World. Let’s make trade flow together!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Director role. Highlight your experience in managing finance functions, cash flow, and profitability analysis. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 hands-on role. Share specific examples of your strategic oversight and operational success in finance.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase your experience in freight forwarding or similar industries. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of our sector, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DP World
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the freight forwarding industry, such as cash flow management and profitability per shipment. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on operations. Prepare examples of how you've influenced financial strategy while also being involved in day-to-day operations. Highlight your experience in budgeting and forecasting, and be ready to discuss how you can drive cost control and efficiency improvements.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
With responsibilities including compliance with IFRS, VAT, and corporation tax, it's crucial to show your knowledge in these areas. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to financial discipline.
✨Build Rapport with Operational Teams
Since you'll be partnering closely with Operations and Sales, it's important to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights that support operational goals. This will show that you can bridge the gap between finance and operations.