At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive performance in a dynamic engineering firm.
- Company: Established engineering services business with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Join a key leadership role and influence strategic decisions for growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5-7 years in senior finance roles.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with the Board and develop core support functions.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Polegate – Hybrid working options
Salary: £100,000 – £120,000, plus discretionary bonus & wider benefits
Our client, a well-established engineering services business with a strong international footprint, is seeking a Finance Director/Controller to join their Polegate office. This is a key leadership role within the organisation, offering the opportunity to partner closely with senior stakeholders and play a pivotal part in driving financial performance, strategic decision-making, and continued growth across the group.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Board and Executive Chairman on strategic and corporate projects, driving value creation across the group
- Review and enhance finance, sales, operational processes, and information systems to ensure robust, scalable, and effective reporting and controls
- Develop and implement an improved financial reporting framework, including IT system enhancements to support business growth
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, investors, and shareholders
- Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful financial management information for the Board and senior leadership team
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting cycles, including variance analysis and performance reporting
- Provide commercial support on strategic decision-making, including pipeline analysis, pricing, and margin optimisation
- Oversee statutory and regulatory compliance, including audit, HMRC (CT, VAT, PAYE/NI), and Companies House filings
- Drive effective working capital and cash flow management, monitoring receivables, supplier terms, and purchasing commitments
- Lead and develop core support functions including HR (payroll, PAYE/NI) and IT (team of 2), ensuring systems and processes align with business strategy
- Rapidly gain in-depth knowledge of the group’s operations, contracts, and supply chain to ensure robust controls and accurate financial representation
Role Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent)
- Strong academic background with 5–7 years’ post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership roles
- Proven ability to manage finance in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with hands-on involvement where required
- Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and commercial analysis
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board level
- High level of computer literacy, with advanced Excel and reporting skills (experience with Sage Line50 advantageous)
- Strategic mindset combined with a proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach
Finance Director employer: Handpicked Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Handpicked Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A personal introduction can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies and challenges, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Reach out directly to hiring managers or HR through LinkedIn. Express your interest in the Finance Director role and share how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can drive financial performance and strategic decision-making!
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 partnered with senior stakeholders and driven value creation in previous positions.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in financial reporting and compliance. Mention any experience with systems like Sage Line50, as well as your advanced Excel skills. We love seeing those numbers come to life!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Let’s make this happen together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Handpicked Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the company and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Business
Take time to research the engineering services sector and the specific challenges the company faces. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth and financial performance during the interview.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders, including boards and external partners. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical expertise in financial reporting and compliance. Brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss your experience with financial systems, especially if you have worked with tools like Sage Line50.