At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the finance function in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Ambitious manufacturing company seeking a strategic finance leader.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term incentives, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Other info: Confidential role with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance and contribute to a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong manufacturing experience and senior finance leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Pure Executive has been appointed as the retained search partner for a highly confidential, newly created Group Finance Director appointment within an ambitious, growing manufacturing business. Reporting directly to, and deputising for, the CFO, this is a broad and influential senior finance role with responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the finance function. The successful individual will lead and develop an established team, strengthen financial capability and infrastructure, and play a key role in supporting the organisation through its next stage of growth.
Technical strength will be fundamental, particularly across cash, treasury, cash-flow forecasting, FX, working capital and financial control. Alongside this, you will be a highly credible business partner to commercial and operational leaders, bringing insight and constructive challenge to performance, margins, costing, inventory, investment and decision-making. The role also carries significant stakeholder exposure and responsibility for Company Secretarial matters. You will operate confidently with senior leadership and the Board, while developing strong relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, lenders and professional advisers.
We are looking for:
- A fully qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA or CIMA; ideally having trained and qualified within professional practice before moving into a commercial environment
- Strong manufacturing/engineering experience – this is essential
- Significant senior finance leadership experience, potentially gained as a Finance Director within a smaller organisation, or as a Group Financial Controller or Head of Finance ready to step into a first Finance Director appointment
- Excellent technical capability across cash, treasury, cash-flow forecasting, FX, working capital and financial control
- Strong commercial judgement and evidence of influencing operational and commercial performance
- Experience of leading, developing and creating accountability across high-performing finance teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the credibility to influence at senior leadership and Board level
- An engaging and collaborative leadership style, combined with energy, resilience and a strong sense of ownership
This could suit an established Finance Director or equally represent an excellent first Group Finance Director appointment for a high-calibre individual ready to step into broader leadership responsibility. For the right person, this is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of finance, shape and develop the function and make a visible contribution to the future development of a growing manufacturing business. The package also includes participation in a long-term incentive arrangement, providing the opportunity to share meaningfully in the value created as the business grows.
Due to the highly confidential nature of this appointment, candidates progressing beyond an initial confidential conversation with Pure Executive will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before the identity of the organisation and further details of the opportunity can be shared.
Group Finance Director in Bury St Edmunds employer: Pure Executive
Join a dynamic and ambitious manufacturing business in North Suffolk as a Group Finance Director, where you will lead a talented finance team and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the organisation. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and accountability, offering competitive benefits and a long-term incentive arrangement that allows you to share in the success of the business. This is an exceptional opportunity for a high-calibre finance professional to make a significant impact in a supportive environment that prioritises both personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Pure Executive. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Pure Executive.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Pure Executive. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Finance Director in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Pure Executive and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Pure Executive how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Executive
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Pure Executive.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Pure Executive's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!