At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, enhance business insight, and drive commercial performance.
- Company: Established private equity-backed financial services firm focused on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong leadership and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in commercial finance and FP&A.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Our client is an established, private equity-backed financial services business operating in a highly commercial, customer-focused environment. The business is focused on driving profitable growth, improving operational performance and maximising long-term shareholder value. It is seeking an experienced Interim Commercial Finance Director to strengthen commercial financial leadership, enhance business insight and support the delivery of its strategic objectives.
Reporting to the CFO, the Interim Commercial Finance Director will lead the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) function, providing commercial insight, financial modelling and decision support across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Commercial Performance: Drive understanding of business performance, profitability, gross margins and key unit economics, identifying opportunities to improve financial and operational outcomes.
- FP&A Leadership: Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and management reporting, providing accurate, timely and actionable insight to senior management, the Board and shareholders.
- Business Partnering: Work closely with commercial, marketing, operations and technology teams to optimise investment, resource allocation, customer acquisition economics and operational efficiency.
- Financial Modelling: Develop robust financial models to assess commercial opportunities, strategic initiatives, partnership arrangements and investment decisions.
- Revenue Assurance: Oversee processes to ensure the accuracy and completeness of revenue recognition, commission payments and associated financial controls.
- Strategic Planning: Support the CFO in developing longer-term financial plans, evaluating growth opportunities and delivering key strategic programmes.
- Private Equity & Exit Readiness: Support shareholder reporting, value creation initiatives and preparations for a potential future exit event.
- Leadership: Lead, coach and develop the commercial finance team, creating a high-performing function that proactively supports business decision-making.
The Desired Candidate
We are seeking a commercially astute, hands-on Interim Finance Director with strong analytical capabilities and a track record of improving business performance. The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A qualified accountancy background (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with substantial experience in commercial finance leadership and FP&A.
- Proven experience operating in a private equity-backed business, ideally supporting value creation, financial transformation or exit preparation.
- Strong commercial understanding of revenue drivers, gross margins, unit economics, customer acquisition costs and profitability optimisation.
- Experience in financial services, insurance distribution, consumer-facing businesses or high-volume sales environments would be particularly relevant.
- Excellent financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting and management information capabilities.
- A track record of partnering effectively with marketing, operations, commercial and technology functions to improve financial performance.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the credibility to influence senior executives, Boards and investors.
- A collaborative, low-ego leadership style, combining strategic thinking with a willingness to be hands-on.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams, with the ability to establish improvements and deliver measurable results quickly.
The ideal interim candidate will be immediately effective, comfortable operating in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment and capable of balancing short-term performance improvements with longer-term shareholder value creation.
Interim Commercial Finance Director in London employer: Russam
At Russam, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values expertise and fosters a collaborative work culture. As an Interim CFO for Sale Readiness & Due Diligence, you will have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with our focus on impactful financial strategies, makes us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of the Private Equity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Commercial Finance Director in London
✨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 Russam. 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 Interim Commercial Finance Director in London
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 Russam.
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 Russam'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 Russam
✨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 Russam.
✨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 Russam 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 Russam 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.
