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- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage cash flow, and provide strategic insights for a dynamic freight forwarding business.
- Company: Join DP World, a global leader in trade and logistics with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Onsite role in Manchester with limited travel across the UK and Ireland.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while shaping the future of global trade.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance experience in logistics or service-based 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.
Note: 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.
What you will bring:
- 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.
Compensation: 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 in Manchester employer: DP World
Contact Detail:
DP World Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Director in Manchester
✨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 online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. 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 cash flow management and profitability strategies. This will help you showcase your knowledge and demonstrate how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in managing finance functions and how you've driven cost control and efficiency improvements in previous roles. Tailor your examples to align with what the company is looking for in a Finance Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s make trade flow together!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Director in Manchester
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 should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Share specific examples of your strategic oversight and operational achievements in finance. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your background in freight forwarding or logistics if you have it. We’re looking for someone who understands the industry and can bring that insight to our team.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 delivery. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to think strategically while also being involved in day-to-day operations. Think about times when your strategic decisions led to improved financial outcomes.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with IFRS, VAT, PAYE, and other statutory reporting requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past positions, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you can navigate these regulations will set you apart.
✨Engage with Operational Teams
Since you'll be partnering closely with Operations and Sales, think about how you can demonstrate your collaborative skills. Prepare to share experiences where you’ve worked cross-functionally to achieve financial goals, ensuring cost recovery and margin protection.