At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring strong financial control and reporting while shaping business strategy.
- Company: Join Optimised, a certified B Corp focused on sustainability and energy management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and trust across the organisation.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious team driving commercial performance with genuine environmental impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance leadership, strong communication skills, and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Description
At Optimised, we help organisations take control of energy, utilities and sustainability performance - reducing cost, carbon and operational complexity at scale.
We’re looking for an ambitious Finance Director to take ownership of our broad, commercially important finance function and play a pivotal role in the next stage of our growth.
As a member of our Executive Leadership Team, you’ll partner directly with our CEO while leading and developing a capable finance team.
You’ll ensure we have strong financial control, robust reporting and early visibility of the issues and opportunities that matter.
Alongside running an efficient, high-performing finance function, you’ll help shape the future of the business.
From managing our banking relationship and supporting future investment activity to integrating acquisitions and strengthening the financial foundations of a growing Group, you’ll influence both strategy and execution.
If you’re looking for a role that combines hands-on leadership with genuine commercial influence, and where your own career can grow alongside the business, we’d love to hear from you.
We know great candidates don’t always tick every box.
If you’re excited by this opportunity, share our purpose and believe you have the capability and ambition to succeed, we encourage you to apply.
Why join Optimised?
We’re not just another consultancy.
As a certified B Corp, we combine commercial performance with genuine environmental impact - helping organisations reduce energy consumption, control utility spend and accelerate decarbonisation.
With offices across the UK, this is an exciting opportunity to join a business with strong momentum, ambitious plans and a clear purpose.
Our solutions span
- Utility Management
- Net Zero Reporting & Sustainability
- Energy Management, Data & Performance
We work closely with clients to deliver measurable operational and financial outcomes - not just reports and recommendations.
Requirements
- Executive Leadership Team
- Sit as a full member of an ambitious Executive Leadership Team contributing to strategy and challenge across the whole business, not just finance.
- Support the CEO in building the culture the business needs for its next stage, leading through openness, consistency and trust rather than hierarchy or title.
- Bring energy and pace to a scaling business, remaining comfortable operating hands-on when needed.
- Investment and M&A
- Support the CEO and the Group's external advisers on future fundraising as required, helping produce investor-grade numbers and models.
- Support financial due diligence and integration work on bolt-on acquisitions as they arise, working within the Group's M&A evaluation framework.
- Banking, treasury and covenant management
- Manage the relationship with our lending partner, ensuring covenant and facility reporting is accurate and timely and that any concerns are identified early.
- Manage Group cash flow and treasury, giving the ELT early visibility of funding needs and financial risk rather than surprises.
- Financial precision and control
- Own the monthly close, management accounts and board pack.
- Take ownership of the financial controls, systems and processes that keep reporting accurate as the Group grows through organic growth and acquisition.
- Drive month-end discipline and continuous improvement in close speed and reporting quality.
- Ensure statutory accounts, tax and compliance filings are accurate and on time.
- Lead the annual audit to a clean, efficient close.
- Build robust financial models and forecasts (budget, 3-year plan, rolling forecast) that hold up under scrutiny from lenders, investors and the Board.
- Communication and People Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop a finance team of five, including direct day-to-day mentoring of our two management accountants, building a structure that scales with the business.
- Create a “no surprises” reporting culture built on genuine relationships with budget holders, not just accurate spreadsheets.
- Explain financial performance in plain terms that operational, commercial and technical colleagues actually understand and act on.
- Be visible and present across the business, building the same trust with team leads that the role requires with the Board and lenders.
Finance Director in Bristol employer: Optimised-Group
At Optimised, we pride ourselves on being a certified B Corp that not only focuses on commercial success but also on making a genuine environmental impact. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and employee growth, providing opportunities for team members to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful projects that drive the transition to net zero. Joining our Utility Management Team as a Senior Energy Billing Analyst means becoming part of a dynamic organisation with ambitious plans and a clear purpose, all while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Bristol
✨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 Optimised-Group. 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 in Bristol
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 Optimised-Group.
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 Optimised-Group'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 Optimised-Group
✨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 Optimised-Group.
✨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 Optimised-Group 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 Optimised-Group 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.
