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- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and drive financial operations across the organization.
- Company: Join Low Carbon, a certified B-Corp dedicated to renewable energy and fighting climate change.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, private healthcare, and perks like a cycle scheme and volunteering days.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven company with a friendly culture and impactful mission.
- Qualifications: Finance degree or equivalent, strong leadership, and influencing skills required.
- Other info: Work in a modern London office and engage in strategic decision-making at the highest levels.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Low Carbon
Low Carbon invests in, develops, and operates large-scale renewable energy projects across the globe to fight climate change and protect the planet for future generations. We are building a net-zero energy company with the goal of creating as much renewable energy as possible. We are a purpose driven, long-standing certified B-Corp and recognised as gold standard for our environmental impact.
Our culture is really important to us. Our people are friendly, approachable and professional. We value enthusiasm, entrepreneurialism, clear communication and drive. This combined with our purpose and passion for climate change, is why our colleagues recommend Low Carbon as a great place to work.
Role Description
The Finance Director, Operations and Controls, is a core member of our Senior Finance Leadership team, integral to achieving Low Carbon’s financial and strategic objectives. This senior role will work closely with the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to shape and lead financial operations, reporting, and controls across the Low Carbon group. The role will work closely with the wider Finance department, Exco as well as business functions, including Investment and Development. This role is also an active participant in the Board of Directors Audit and Risk Committee.
Based in our new, modern London office, the Finance Director will be a key part in creating a world-class finance organisation. The role has accountability for the controller office, covering all activities across the group including accounting processes, record to report, transactional finance activities (including cash and debt management and reporting), financial and internal controls, management of the audit, finance systems, statutory and management reporting.
The ideal candidate will bring gravitas and a strong executive presence, demonstrating leadership, and influencing abilities, and superior business partnering. The ability to inspire and influence decisions at the highest levels will be essential.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Leadership
- Lead a high-performing team of 25 finance professionals, fostering an environment of accountability, continuous learning, and excellence
- Set objectives that prioritise customer-centricity, quality, and transformation, aligning with Low Carbon’s broader mission
- Serve as a strategic partner at ExCo level, guiding robust financial decisions and fostering alignment with the company’s long-term growth strategy
Accounting Policies and Controls framework
- Lead the development, maintenance and communication the accounting policies and control framework, ensuring compliance across the business
- Proactively support and monitor finance teams to ensure adherence to established policies, driving a culture of rigorous controls
Accounting and Reporting
- Accountable for leading, planning and delivering world class External Reporting and Compliance, ensuring timely and accurate closing of ledgers for all group entities, to support effective financial reporting
- Oversees the production of the management and statutory accounts and consolidations, with over 150 entities within the group
- Oversees the production of the annual report and other regulatory fillings
External Audit Management
- Act as the primary contact for external auditors, leading all audit activities, including planning, coordination, and resolution of findings
- Ensure consistent and proactive audit readiness across the finance organisation
Operational processes, financial systems and continuous improvement
- Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy
- Lead finance transformation initiatives, ensuring adoption of technology that supports automation, scalability, and data-driven decision-making
Risk Management and Internal Controls
- Strengthen the company’s risk management framework, proactively identifying and mitigating financial risks
- Lead initiatives to enhance internal controls, embedding a risk-aware culture across the finance team and broader business functions
Finance Systems Accountability
- Lead the management and optimisation of finance systems, ensuring they support operational efficiency, reporting accuracy, and compliance
- Drive the implementation and continuous improvement of ERP and financial systems to enhance automation, scalability, and integration with other business functions
- Collaborate with IT and cross-functional teams to ensure finance systems are aligned with strategic needs, adaptable for growth, and secure from risks
Stakeholder Engagement and Business Partnering
- Develop strong, collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders, effectively translating financial insights into actionable recommendations
- Act as a strategic advisor to business units, aligning finance capabilities with operational goals
M&A Diligence and Support
- Lead financial due diligence and integration for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
- Evaluate financial risks and opportunities related to M&A activities, ensuring alignment with Low Carbon’s financial strategy and objectives
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Legal and Investment, to provide financial insights and support decision-making for M&A transactions
Skills & Experience
- Finance professional/degree or equivalent
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong influencing skills at senior level
- Experienced in the controls space
- Experience of finance transformation and a range of technology tools
- Able to thrive in a highly demanding and often ambiguous environment
- Structured thinker
- Experience in Energy, not a must, but would be valued
Our Compensation & Benefits
- 26 days holiday plus your birthday off (with option to buy a further 5 days)
- Discretionary Bonus
- Bupa Health Check & Private Healthcare for you and your family (medical history disregarded)
- Contributory Pension
- Cycle scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Pluxee for commercial discounts and perks
- 3 additional days for volunteering to support causes of your choice
- Annual credit towards short notice childcare, eldercare and pet care via ‘Bubble’
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Finance Director - Operations & Control employer: Low Carbon
Contact Detail:
Low Carbon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Operations & Control
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Low Carbon's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to renewable energy and climate change will help you align your experience and passion during discussions, showcasing that you're a great cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in finance. Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven results in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your ability to influence at senior levels. Prepare to discuss situations where you've effectively communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the strategic partnership aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in finance transformation and technology tools. Being knowledgeable about current advancements will not only impress during interviews but also show your readiness to lead finance transformation initiatives at Low Carbon.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Operations & Control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Culture: Before applying, take some time to understand Low Carbon's mission and values. Highlight your enthusiasm for renewable energy and climate change in your application to show that you align with their purpose-driven culture.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your leadership experience and financial expertise. Emphasize any relevant roles where you've led teams or managed financial operations, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, discuss how your skills and experiences make you a strong fit for the Finance Director role. Be specific about your experience with financial controls, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, as these are key responsibilities of the position.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to think strategically by providing examples of how you've influenced financial decisions at a senior level. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact on previous organizations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Low Carbon
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for renewable energy and climate change during the interview. Low Carbon values candidates who are passionate about their mission, so share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Finance Director, you'll be leading a team of finance professionals. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style, how you foster accountability and continuous learning, and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial controls, accounting policies, and external audit management. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be ready to discuss how you've implemented best practices in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Thinking
Low Carbon is looking for someone who can act as a strategic partner at the ExCo level. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced financial decisions and aligned finance capabilities with operational goals in your previous positions.
