Finance Director - Service

Finance Director - Service

Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance for global service, driving insights and supporting strategic initiatives.
  • Company: Join Smiths Detection, a world leader in safety technology.
  • Benefits: Flexible benefits, career growth, and a focus on wellbeing.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture celebrating diversity and equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that combines finance with innovation.
  • Qualifications: Strong finance background with leadership and transformation experience.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

Smiths Detection is seeking a commercially focused Finance Director to partner our Global Service organisation, a business area representing approximately 50% of the company's activity.

Reporting directly to the Senior Finance Director, Group FP&A & Business Partnering this is a highly visible leadership role supporting the VP of Service and Global Service Leadership Team.

This is not a traditional Finance Director position.

We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial finance, business partnering, FP&A and operational finance expertise, while also helping drive transformation, automation and value creation initiatives across a global business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as lead finance partner to the Global Service Leadership Team.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly performance reporting.
  • Drive financial insight, challenge and decision support.
  • Support strategic initiatives, transformation projects and value creation programmes.
  • Deliver process improvements, automation and enhanced reporting capability.
  • Lead and develop a team of finance professionals.
  • Partner with stakeholders across Operations, Supply Chain, HR and Commercial functions globally.

Experience & Skills

We are looking for a commercially minded finance leader who can operate strategically whilst remaining hands‑on when required.

You'll bring

  • Strong Commercial Finance and Business Partnering experience.
  • FP&A, budgeting and forecasting expertise.
  • Experience supporting operational, engineering or service‑led organisations.
  • Leadership experience within finance.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • Experience driving transformation, process improvement or automation initiatives.
  • Advanced Excel and strong financial systems capability, with SAP and Power BI experience advantageous.
  • Background

We're particularly interested in candidates from businesses with large operational or field-based workforces, including:

  • Engineering Services
  • Field Service Organisations
  • Utilities
  • Energy & Oil & Gas
  • Facilities Management
  • Infrastructure Maintenance
  • Technical Services Organisations
  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).
  • Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
  • Significant post-qualified finance experience within a complex business environment

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally.

You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing.

You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world‑leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing.

Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website.

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Finance Director - Service employer: Smithsgroup2

At Smiths Detection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters inclusivity and professional growth. As a Finance Director in our Global Service organisation, you'll not only lead a talented team but also engage in transformative projects that drive value creation across a global business. With a strong emphasis on safety, wellbeing, and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to your lifestyle, we are committed to supporting your career development while making the world a safer place.

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Contact Details:

Smithsgroup2 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Service

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 Smithsgroup2. 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 - Service

Commercial Finance
Business Partnering
FP&A
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Reporting
Transformation Initiatives

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 Smithsgroup2.

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 Smithsgroup2'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 Smithsgroup2

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 Smithsgroup2.

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 Smithsgroup2 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 Smithsgroup2 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.