At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee budgeting for exciting media events.
- Company: Dynamic London-based media and events business with a strong growth track record.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to shape financial strategy.
- Other info: Join a growing team and mentor future finance professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with 8+ years of experience in finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Harper May is working with a London-based media and events business backed by independent ownership. The organisation produces conferences, festivals, and branded content across B2B and consumer sectors, with a track record of consistent revenue growth and geographic expansion. Recent contract wins and new format launches have increased operational complexity, and the finance function now needs stronger strategic leadership to support decision-making and cash management across multiple concurrent events and revenue lines. The business is now seeking a Finance Director to lead the team and establish finance as a core pillar of business strategy.
The Role
- Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director will oversee all financial planning, reporting, and controls.
- You will work directly with operational and commercial leads on event margins, sponsorship yields, and cost discipline, while building a lean, capable finance team.
- This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic partnership with day-to-day financial ownership.
- Develop and own financial strategy aligned to growth across events, partnerships, and digital channels.
- Manage budgeting, reforecasting, and cash flow across an event calendar with varying cycles and payment terms.
- Lead financial analysis on event profitability, sponsorship pricing, and operational cost drivers.
- Build and mentor a small finance team, establishing clear processes and accountability.
- Own statutory accounts, tax planning, audit liaison, and compliance with accounting standards.
- Produce monthly management accounts and board reporting with clear insight and variance analysis.
- Ensure robust controls, segregation of duties, and scalable systems as the business scales.
What we are looking for
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with at least 8 years' post-qualification experience.
- Proven Finance Director or senior finance leadership role in media, publishing, events, or similar fast-moving commercial businesses.
- Strong commercial instinct paired with the ability to challenge assumptions and improve margins.
- Comfortable with hands-on spreadsheet modelling and practical problem-solving under tight deadlines.
- Clear communicator at Board level, able to translate complex finance into actionable insight.
- Experience managing and developing small finance teams in growing organisations.
Finance Director in London employer: Harper May Ltd Careers
Harper May offers an exceptional opportunity for a Chief Financial Officer to join a dynamic, founder-led SaaS business poised for significant growth. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, the company fosters innovation and strategic thinking, allowing you to make a meaningful impact as you build the finance function from the ground up. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and offers unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harper May Ltd Careers. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harper May Ltd Careers.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harper May Ltd Careers's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May Ltd Careers
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harper May Ltd Careers.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harper May Ltd Careers will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harper May Ltd Careers employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
