At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, driving insights and improving business performance.
- Company: Join a trusted news agency with over 150 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Modern workplace in Leeds with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified with senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
About Us.
The PA is a beacon of trust for news, content and data.
At the heart of our group is the Press Association, the UK and Ireland’s national news agency, trusted for its impartiality, accuracy and speed for more than 150 years We bring these standards to everything we do, from news and sports data to content creation and communications.
We’re combining AI and emerging technology with the expertise, judgement and originality of our people; helping us work smarter, explore new ideas and create greater value for our customers.
Now, we’re beginning an exciting new chapter at West Village in Leeds city centre and looking for talented people to help shape what comes next.
The opportunity.
We’re looking for an experienced, commercially focused finance leader to lead our Commercial Finance team on a 15-month fixed-term contract to cover parental leave.
Finance at The PA has undergone a significant transformation, and this is much more than a caretaker role.
You’ll strengthen our approach to proactive FP&A and trusted business partnering, while providing insight that improves business performance.
A planned handover with the current role holder will give you valuable context, helping you make an early impact and leave a lasting legacy.
Regular UK travel is required, including travel to London around once or twice a month.
What you’ll do.
- Lead the Group’s FP&A activity, coordinating the annual budget and quarterly forecasting processes and ensuring they are delivered to a high standard.
- Use monthly financial reporting and analysis to identify trends, risks and opportunities, translating these into clear recommendations and actions.
- Strengthen Commercial Finance as a proactive, solutions-focused business partner to senior leaders across The PA.
- Partner with the CFO, Chief Revenue Officer, Executive Team and divisional MDs to improve commercial decision-making and business performance.
- Drive profitable growth through stronger pricing, contract review, margin improvement, cost optimisation and working-capital management.
- Improve product and client profitability reporting, sales-pipeline analysis and the evaluation of investment opportunities.
- Develop the use of SAP Analytics Cloud for planning, analysis and commercially focused insight.
- Lead and develop a geographically dispersed team while coordinating Group-wide activity to demanding timetables.
What you’ll bring.
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, with substantial senior-level commercial finance and FP&A experience.
- A track record of building or transforming teams and moving finance towards a more commercial, business-partnering model.
- Strong commercial judgement and credibility to challenge, influence and build trusted relationships at Executive and MD level.
- Experience working across a complex, multi-entity organisation.
- Excellent organisation, analysis and attention to detail, with a reputation for high-quality Board and leadership reporting.
- Experience of SAP S/4HANA and SAC Planning would be a real advantage. Media, publishing, data, digital or adjacent sector experience is welcome, but not essential.
What we offer
- Competitive salary plus a 20% completion bonus.
- 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, with a holiday purchase scheme.
- A yearly Wellbeing Day and eight hours of paid volunteering time.
- Pension, life assurance (4x salary), Wellhub access, learning opportunities
- Private healthcare
- A modern workplace at West Village in the heart of Leeds city centre, just a seven-minute walk from Leeds station.
- Rooftop terraces, collaborative spaces, a wellness studio, showers and extensive cycle storage.
- Exclusive discounts across Leeds, including offers on food and drink, fitness, entertainment and accommodation.
Group Commercial Finance Director in Leeds employer: PA Media Group
PA Media Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and a competitive benefits package, including hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Joining PA Media Group means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving impactful marketing strategies in the PR & Marketing Services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Commercial Finance Director in Leeds
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like PA Media Group.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like PA Media Group might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Commercial Finance Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at PA Media Group will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at PA Media Group. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give PA Media Group confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at PA Media Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with PA Media Group.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure PA Media Group that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
