Group Finance Director in Guildford

Company Description

Ergomed is a rapidly expanding full service mid-sized CRO specialising in Oncology and Rare Disease. Since its foundation in 1997 the company has grown organically and steadily by making strategic investments and landmark acquisitions, with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. Our company allows for employee visibility (you have a voice!), creative contribution and realistic career development. We have nourished a true international culture here at Ergomed. We value employee experience, well-being and mental health and we acknowledge that a healthy work life balance is a critical factor for employee satisfaction and in turn nurtures an environment from which a high-quality client service can be achieved. Come and join us in this exciting journey to make a positive impact in patient’s lives.

Job Description

The Group Financial Director is responsible for leading the Group's financial reporting, consolidation, and financial control across multiple international entities, ensuring compliance with IFRS, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards. The role oversees the preparation of group financial statements, management reporting, audit processes, and financial performance analysis, while maintaining strong internal controls and balance sheet integrity. In addition, the position leads global finance teams and partners with the CFO and senior leadership to support strategic financial planning, budgeting, and decision‑making. The role also drives process improvements, finance systems development, pricing and margin support, and ESG reporting, ensuring efficient, accurate, and scalable financial operations across the Group.

Role and Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Group Consolidation
  • Lead the preparation of the Group's monthly reporting and annual financial statements.
  • Manage the Group consolidation process across multiple international entities.
  • Ensure financial reporting complies with relevant accounting standards (e.g. IFRS) and regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee the production of accurate and timely management accounts and financial analysis for senior leadership.
  • Coordinate the preparation of Board and executive financial reporting packs.
  • Monitor key financial metrics and support financial performance analysis across the Group.
• Financial Control & Governance
  • Maintain and enhance robust internal financial controls across the Group.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards, financial policies, and procedures.
  • Manage costs within the business and ensure accountability for spend.
  • Oversee balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, and review processes.
  • Support the implementation and continuous improvement of financial control frameworks.
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks across international operations.
  • Lead initiatives to improve financial processes, systems, and reporting efficiency.
• Audit & Compliance
  • Act as the primary contact for external auditors and manage the Group audit process.
  • Coordinate the preparation of audit deliverables and ensure timely completion of statutory accounts.
  • Oversee compliance with tax, regulatory, and statutory reporting requirements across jurisdictions.
  • Work closely with internal and external advisors on accounting, regulatory, and compliance matters.
• Finance Team Leadership
  • Manage and develop the Group Financial Reporting team, Finance Shared Services team, Treasury function, Regional Finance leads and ESG team.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to regional finance teams.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
  • Support the professional development and training of finance team members.
• Strategic Finance & Business Support
  • Partner with the CFO and senior leadership to support strategic financial planning.
  • Provide financial insight and analysis to support business performance and decision‑making.
  • Work closely with Head of FP&A to contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning processes.
  • Support M&A due diligence and integration activities relating to acquisitions or strategic initiatives.
  • Assist in the evaluation and implementation of financial systems and reporting tools.
  • Lead the newly formed Pricing and Margin Support function which will work with Operations and Commercial functions in their proposal development for customer contracts.
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Assist with initiatives to improve the efficiency and scalability of the Group's finance systems and reporting infrastructure.
  • Support the development of automation, data analytics, and improved reporting capabilities.
  • Standardise financial processes and reporting across international entities.
  • Ensure strong data integrity and reporting consistency across finance systems.
• ESG Reporting & Sustainability
  • Lead the Group's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting framework, with particular focus on environmental reporting.
  • Work closely with the Head of Human Resources and Head of Legal on Social and Governance activities as they relate to the Group's overall ESG framework.
  • Oversee the measurement, monitoring, and reporting of the Group's greenhouse gas emissions and environmental metrics across global operations.
  • Track and report progress against the company's Science Based Targets (SBTs) and other environmental commitments.
  • Work cross‑functionally with operations, facilities, procurement, and leadership teams to identify initiatives that improve environmental performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required, with a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration considered desirable, supported by a professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent certification.
• Significant experience in a Group Financial Director, Head of Financial Reporting, or similar senior finance role.
• Strong experience in group consolidation and financial reporting within a multi‑entity international organisation.
• Experience managing external audits and statutory reporting.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong internal controls and financial governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high‑performing finance teams.
• Experience working in a fast‑growing or international organisation.
• Experience in the life sciences, CRO, pharmaceutical, or healthcare sectors is advantageous but not essential.
• Solid knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate insights clearly.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with senior leadership.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and reporting tools (ERP systems experience desirable).

Additional Information

• Training and career development opportunities internally.
• Strong emphasis on personal and professional growth.
• Friendly, supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to work with colleagues based all over the world, with English as the company language.

Core Values

• Quality
• Integrity & Trust
• Drive & Passion
• Agility & Responsiveness
• Belonging
• Collaborative Partnerships

We look forward to welcoming your application.