At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and shape financial strategy during exciting growth.
- Company: Join a renowned multi-site restaurant group known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about hospitality and driving financial performance.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values creativity and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Harper May is working with a privately-owned consumer non-durables manufacturer and distributor. The business operates across multiple product categories with a direct-to-retail footprint and has experienced consistent organic growth over the past three years. It is now moving through a period of selective acquisition and operational consolidation, which demands stronger financial infrastructure and strategic rigour across the group. The board is seeking a Finance Director to lead this evolution.
The RoleReporting to the Chief Executive, you will take full ownership of the finance function and sit as a core member of the executive team. This is a commercially-focused leadership role: you will shape financial strategy, drive margin discipline, and build the planning and control frameworks needed to support both organic growth and integration activity over the next 18-24 months.
- Develop and execute financial strategy aligned to group expansion plans and acquisition integration
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and performance management across business units and product lines
- Partner with commercial leads on pricing, product profitability, and channel economics
- Manage group cash flow, working capital, and debt facilities
- Build and strengthen financial controls, reporting, and governance standards
- Support acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition synergy realisation
- Lead, develop, and retain the finance team
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with 8+ years of senior finance experience
- Proven track record in a manufacturing or consumer-facing business
- Commercial mindset with demonstrated impact on margin, efficiency, or cost control
- Experience with acquisition integration or multi-site financial management
- Comfortable operating at board level and challenging senior stakeholders constructively
- Strong people leader with the ability to attract and develop finance talent
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the hospitality sector to connect with professionals who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build relationships that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in financial management within the restaurant industry. Being knowledgeable about innovations and challenges in this sector will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led finance teams through periods of change or growth. Highlight your experience in implementing new tools and technologies that improved efficiency, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio and their approach to customer experience. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your discussions around how your financial strategies can support their business goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in senior finance leadership, particularly within the hospitality or multi-site sector. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a finance team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with their needs, particularly in shaping financial strategy and improving reporting standards. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as your understanding of accounting systems, financial controls, and your ability to drive efficiency through new tools and technologies. Make sure to provide concrete examples of how you've successfully implemented these in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Finance Director role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Finance Director, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments like hospitality.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Make sure you can articulate your understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Prepare to discuss specific tools and technologies you've used to enhance financial processes and how they could apply to the restaurant group's needs.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking
The role involves shaping financial strategy, so be ready to share your thoughts on how you would approach this. Discuss any previous experiences where you've contributed to strategic planning and how it impacted the business positively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of complex financial scenarios you've faced and how you resolved them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to handle non-routine financial matters.
