At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy and drive impactful change in a fast-growing retail business.
- Company: Dynamic, founder-led retail company focused on growth and culture transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, EMI scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving business and make your mark at the top level.
- Qualifications: ACA/CIMA/ACA qualified with strong leadership and commercial mindset.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a genuine opportunity for influence and growth.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 130000 £ per year.
This isn’t a safe move. It’s a significant one. If you want another Finance Director role where you inherit a structure and keep things steady, this won’t be for you. This is a true No.1 Finance role in a fast-growing, founder-led retail business where finance sits at the centre of decision-making, culture transformation and growth. A role for someone who wants influence, ownership and impact and loves delivering change.
The Opportunity
You will work directly with the CEO and Board as a strategic partner, helping define what the next 3–5 years of the business looks like. The business has strong momentum and is ready for its next phase. You will help:
- Strengthen foundations without losing agility
- Introduce rigour without killing creativity
- Scale sustainably while protecting culture
You must be hands-on, close to the operation, and trusted to lead. Finance here is a driver, not a gatekeeper.
Why This Role Is Different
This isn’t a corporate, layered environment. It’s:
- Agile
- Entrepreneurial
- Collaborative
- Straight-talking
You will challenge, simplify and improve, not just comply and have experience of leading teams; however, your influence will extend far beyond finance overseeing operational and HR teams, sharpening decision-making, influencing culture and supporting growth in the right way. If you are motivated by leaving things better than you found them, you will thrive here.
Who This Will Resonate With
This role appeals to Finance Directors who:
- Like to be close to the business, not buffered from it
- Are commercially curious and people-focused
- Thrive in evolving, fast-paced environments
- Want autonomy, trust and accountability
You may come from:
- An SME or scaling business
- A larger organisation seeking more pace and influence
- Retail/e-commerce (helpful, not essential)
What matters most is mindset, board-level credibility and the confidence to lead with warmth and rigour.
What’s on Offer
- A genuine seat at the top table
- Direct partnership with a founder-led leadership team
- The chance to shape strategy, structure and culture
- A straight-talking, down-to-earth environment
- Competitive salary, bonus and long-term incentives
- Leeds-based, with flexible working
This is a role where your work is visible, your voice matters, and your contribution is felt.
Final Thought
Some Finance Director roles are too rigid, too restrictive. Other Finance Director roles give you the chance to shape, grow and define the next chapter of a business. This is very much the second kind. If you’re an ACA/CIMA/ACA qualified commercially minded Finance Director who wants their next move to truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Finance Director in Leeds employer: Equals One Ltd
Contact Detail:
Equals One Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance world. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those interviews! Research the company thoroughly and prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Think about specific examples where you've driven change or improved processes, as this will resonate well with a founder-led business looking for impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! In a fast-paced, collaborative environment, being personable is key. Don’t just focus on your qualifications; let your passion for finance and culture transformation shine through. Remember, they want someone who fits into their agile and entrepreneurial vibe.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and aspirations. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, as it shows you're genuinely interested in the opportunity. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how you align with our culture. Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us why you’re passionate about this role and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Finance Director position. Highlight your experience in fast-paced environments and how you've driven change in previous roles. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your impact and influence.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: This role is all about shaping the future of the business, so make sure to emphasise your strategic thinking skills. Share instances where you've successfully partnered with leadership teams to define and execute a vision. We want to know how you can contribute to our growth!
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 it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Equals One Ltd
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's current position in the retail market. Familiarise yourself with their growth trajectory, challenges, and opportunities. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Approach
This role requires a Finance Director who is close to the operation. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've been hands-on in driving change and influencing culture. Highlight how your leadership style fosters collaboration and agility.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
The company values a straight-talking, down-to-earth environment. During the interview, be authentic and demonstrate your ability to challenge the status quo while maintaining warmth and approachability. Share stories that reflect your people-focused mindset.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be working directly with the CEO and Board, be ready to discuss your vision for the next 3-5 years. Think about how you would strengthen foundations while introducing rigour and creativity. Articulate your ideas clearly to show you're a strategic partner.