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- Tasks: Lead the finance function, driving performance and supporting strategic decisions.
- Company: Join a dynamic SME with a £7m turnover in the service sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible working environment and competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative leadership team and shape business growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience in an SME, preferably in services.
- Other info: Hands-on role ideal for proactive problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Finance Director – Cheltenham (SME, Service Sector)
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Type: Full-Time Permanent
Sector: Service sector / SME
Are you a commercially astute and hands-on Finance Director ready to make a real impact within a turnaround SME? Hays are exclusively partnering with this 7m turnover business in the search for a dynamic and strategic finance leader to join our senior leadership team and help shape the future of our service-based business.
About the Role
As Finance Director, you\’ll be at the heart of our operations-leading the finance function, driving financial performance, and supporting strategic decision-making. This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced SME environment and enjoys rolling up their sleeves to get things done.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of the finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and reporting
- Provide strategic financial insight to the board and support business growth initiatives
- Oversee financial controls, compliance, and risk management
- Partner with operational teams to improve profitability and efficiency
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, and advisors
- Drive system and process improvements to support scalability
What We\’re Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance role within an SME, ideally in the service sector
- Strong commercial acumen and a proactive, problem-solving mindset
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Comfortable working in a hands-on capacity and influencing at board level
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a collaborative and ambitious leadership team
- Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing business
- Enjoy a flexible, supportive working environment in the heart of Cheltenham
What you need to do now
If you\’re interested in this role, click \’apply now\’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn\’t quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C\’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)
Finance Director employer: Hays Accounts and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accounts and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific challenges faced by SMEs in the service sector. Understanding these issues will allow you to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills during any discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in financial management. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led finance functions, improved profitability, or implemented process improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest financial technologies and systems that can enhance efficiency in finance operations. Being knowledgeable about these tools can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to drive system improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in senior finance roles, particularly within SMEs and the service sector. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic financial insight and hands-on approach. Mention specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and supported business growth initiatives in previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership skills and ability to influence at board level. Provide examples of how you've managed teams and improved profitability and efficiency in past positions.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your documents are well-formatted and free of errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Finance Director role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accounts and Finance
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Finance Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, and how these have positively impacted previous organisations.
✨Highlight Strategic Insight
This role requires providing strategic financial insight to the board. Prepare examples of how you've supported business growth initiatives in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to driving financial performance in a turnaround situation.
✨Emphasise Hands-On Experience
Since this position is hands-on, share specific instances where you've rolled up your sleeves to tackle challenges. Discuss your comfort level in working closely with operational teams to improve profitability and efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've influenced decision-making at the board level and managed relationships with external stakeholders like auditors and banks.
