At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategies and support growth in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Fast-growing, private equity-backed tech company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming finance and driving strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong commercial finance and reporting experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Essex / London / Midlands (Hybrid – circa 3 days per week onsite)
Reporting to: CFO
The Opportunity
This is a broad and highly visible senior finance role within a fast-growing, private equity-backed technology environment. The successful individual will work closely with the CFO as a true right-hand partner, helping to drive the finance function forward whilst supporting wider commercial and strategic objectives. The business is currently going through a significant period of growth and transformation, creating an exciting opportunity for somebody who enjoys operating within fast-paced and evolving environments. The role will play a key part in helping professionalise the finance function, improve reporting and forecasting capability, support acquisition integration activities, and provide high-quality financial insight to senior leadership.
This position will suit a commercially minded and hands-on finance professional who is comfortable balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery and who enjoys working within changing environments where they can genuinely make an impact. There is significant long-term opportunity attached to the role for somebody looking to grow with the business over time.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a senior finance partner and right-hand support to the CFO across the wider finance function and commercial activities
- Lead and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A processes across the group
- Produce high-quality board packs, management information, and financial insight for senior leadership and investors
- Support strategic decision-making through commercial analysis and financial modelling
- Assist with lender and stakeholder reporting requirements
- Support acquisition activity, integration projects, and post-acquisition finance alignment
- Help drive consistency across reporting, controls, systems, and finance processes following acquisitions
- Provide technical accounting support across complex or judgemental areas, including auditor interaction where required
- Support the business in preparing for future growth and improving the quality of financial information
- Work closely with operational leaders to improve commercial visibility and business performance
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and finance transformation
- Support the development and evolution of the wider finance team structure
- Contribute to a collaborative, commercially focused, and delivery-oriented finance culture
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate is likely to be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong commercial finance, FP&A, and reporting experience gained within a fast-paced and evolving environment. The business is open regarding background and company size; however, candidates will ideally demonstrate experience operating within environments involving complexity, change, growth, or transformation. Experience within a private equity-backed environment is highly desirable, although candidates coming from advisory, transaction services, or practice environments with strong M&A exposure will also be considered, particularly where they have subsequently moved into industry.
The ideal individual will combine strong technical finance capability with commercial awareness and the ability to operate as a trusted partner to senior leadership.
Key experience and attributes include:
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong FP&A, forecasting, budgeting, and board reporting capability
- Commercially minded with strong business partnering skills
- Previous exposure to private equity-backed environments highly desirable
- Experience supporting M&A, acquisitions, or integration activity advantageous
- Strong technical accounting understanding
- Comfortable operating within changing and imperfect environments
- Hands-on and pragmatic approach
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work autonomously whilst supporting wider business priorities
- Experience preparing information suitable for investors, lenders, or future transaction activity would be highly beneficial
- Previous professional services or practice background could be advantageous, although candidates must demonstrate strong commercial capability within industry
Location & Working Arrangement
The role is hybrid, with an expectation of approximately three days per week onsite. Operations are primarily based across Essex, with additional London office access available. Candidates based within commutable distance of Essex or London are preferred, although Midlands-based candidates may also be considered.
Financial Director in Chelmsford employer: Inventive Search
Join a dynamic and fast-growing private equity-backed technology firm that values innovation and collaboration. With a hybrid working model, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from home while also benefiting from in-person engagement in our Essex and London offices. We foster a culture of professional growth, offering significant opportunities for career advancement as you partner closely with senior leadership to drive financial excellence and strategic initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Director in Chelmsford
✨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 Inventive Search. 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 Financial Director in Chelmsford
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 Inventive Search.
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 Inventive Search'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 Inventive Search
✨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 Inventive Search.
✨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 Inventive Search 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 Inventive Search 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.
