At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and decision-making in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Company: Dynamic PE-backed business where finance drives success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Join a culture of autonomy and innovation, where your ideas matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and shape the future of finance in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with a commercial mindset and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary: c£70,000 to £90,000
West Yorkshire
You Won't Be Sitting in a Back Office
Imagine a role where:
- Your fingerprints are on every decision that matters
- You're in the conversation when the business is scaling fast
- People actually listen when you talk numbers - because you're not just reporting, you're thinking
- You walk into meetings and know the answer to the question before it's asked
- The pace is real. The impact is visible. You see your work changing how the business operates
This is what it's like working as a Financial Controller in a high-growth, PE-backed business that's moving at speed.
Here's What You Actually Get to Do
- You own the full picture. Not a narrow slice. Month-end close. Cashflow forecasting. Financial control across the entire estate. System ownership. Audit. Compliance. All of it.
- You lead people. A small team that respects what you do and wants to learn from you.
- You partner with real decision-makers. A Finance Director stepping into strategy. An FP&A Manager building insight. People who get that finance isn't back-office - it's the engine room.
- You get challenged. Constantly. On the numbers. On your thinking. On whether there's a better way. And because the business moves fast, you get to see if you were right within weeks, not months.
- You shape how things work. The systems need modernising. The processes need pace. The reporting needs to tell a real story. You get to do that.
What This Means for Your Career
- You're not staying in one lane. You're learning commercial acumen, system strategy, team leadership, and how a PE-backed business actually scales.
- You're working somewhere there's genuine ownership culture - where autonomy isn't a word in the handbook, it's how things actually work.
- In 18 - 24 months, you'll have done the work of a controller and learned the strategy of a director. That's not common. That's valuable.
The Reality
This isn't a quiet, corporate environment where change happens in quarterly cycles. This is a business where decisions happen fast, ambition is real, and energy matters. You'll be hands-on. You'll think on your feet. You'll be in the room when it matters.
If that sounds like being bored, this isn't for you. If that sounds like finally doing work that counts - like actually building something - keep reading.
What You Need
- Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
- Comfortable being challenged on the numbers
- Commercial mindset (not just technical)
- Genuine interest in how the business works, not just the financials
- Ability to think fast and act decisively
Why the wide salary range?
There is genuine curiosity from the Finance Director to explore the market and shape the role around an 'emerging finance leader' who is making a step up or someone who is an experienced Financial Controller already. As long as the hunger and desire to want to make this role your own, to grow and develop further is there.
This role offers a combination of autonomy, breadth, and genuine impact. This is a company where finance actually matters.
What Happens Next
Get in touch. We'll tell you the full story - the companies, the teams, the real scope of what you'd own. You'll get a comprehensive candidate pack that goes way beyond a job description. We'll give you the context to make a real decision about whether this is where you want to be.
You'll also get the best-in-class support including CV optimisation, broader career advice as well as best-in-class interview preparation.
Ready to talk? Three of iFF Talent's highly experienced team are at hand to help.
Finance Director Designate in Leeds employer: Iff Talent
As a Financial Controller in a high-growth, PE-backed business located in West Yorkshire, you'll thrive in an environment where your contributions directly influence the company's trajectory. With a culture that prioritises autonomy and genuine ownership, you will have the opportunity to lead a small team, engage with key decision-makers, and develop your skills in commercial acumen and strategic thinking. This role offers not just a job, but a pathway to significant career advancement in a dynamic setting where finance is at the heart of operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director Designate in Leeds
✨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 Iff Talent. 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 Designate in Leeds
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 Iff Talent.
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 Iff Talent'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 Iff Talent
✨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 Iff Talent.
✨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 Iff Talent 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 Iff Talent 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.
