At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and analysis for Audiology, driving growth and performance.
- Company: Specsavers, a company dedicated to improving lives through better sight and hearing.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a growing team making impactful decisions in a customer-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing by delivering outstanding value, being loved by every customer and creating the place where all colleagues are proud to belong as we grow our business.
The Finance Director for Audiology is responsible for partnering the business to make great decisions through insight, and the planning, analysis, and communication of financial performance for the 360 UK and ROI Audiology businesses, that operate in over 1,000 stores and external locations. The business has total current revenue c.£275 million, with planned growth to over £500 million over the next four years.
Your role:
- Be a member of the Audiology Board and the UK leadership team, working collectively to drive the performance and plan the longer-term strategy of the UK and ROI Audiology businesses, specifically in supporting the business to deliver our ambitious growth targets of doubling the size of the Audiology business.
- Accountable for partnering with the Audiology Managing Director and the UK leadership team in assessing the financial impacts of commercial and operational decisions, ideas or investments, including the delivery of financial impact analysis for all product and promotional changes.
- Lead the financial review and challenge of day-to-day trading, and key member of the weekly trading call.
- Provide added value insight on business performance with demonstrable understanding of commercial issues facing the business.
- In partnership with the Audiology Board members and Retail Support Team, proactively identify and deliver change to enhance business performance.
- Build effective working relationships with all key stakeholders, to deliver influence such that insight generated is acted upon.
- Ensure that required reporting is delivered in a timely and effective method for the business and store partners.
- Responsible for the delivery of a quality long term and short term strategic and financial plan for the business to be shared with the Board and store partners.
- Owner of the Audiology support office budgeting process from the preparation, review, challenge and communication of all forecasts and budgets.
- Member of the Growth forum, ensuring major investments and new business proposals are adequately evaluated from a risk/return perspective and that decisions are optimal for both the support office and store joint venture partners.
- Accountable for ensuring that all new projects and change activities are fully joined up with Finance to ensure robustness of controls, back-office processes and tax compliance.
- Represent the UK & ROI Board at partnership events when appropriate.
- Accountable for challenging and evaluating cost and investment decisions across the Audiology support office to ensure an appropriate return on investment is delivered for both the support office and store partners.
- Leadership, direction and development of direct reports and wider team of 8 FTE’s, of mostly fully qualified accountants, driving strong performance and individual development.
- Establish effective team structure focused on the customer.
- Drive and promote a culture of continuous improvement and one where great customer relationships are critical.
What you’ll bring:
- Fully Qualified Accountant with extensive PQE.
- Proven ability in delivering change that has enhanced business performance and ability to identify the levers to push and pull when needed to change direction.
- Gravitas and confidence in challenging senior leadership effectively.
- Assertive when required, but with the ability to influence and bring others along with them.
- Comfortable to push back and say no when required.
- Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) to land key messages.
- Ability to challenge others’ thinking in a constructive and supportive way.
- Curious to ask the probing questions to get to the root of the problem or identify alternative ways of doing things.
- Accomplished Leader with proven people leadership experience.
Desirable Skills Include:
- Previous experience in a retail environment highly desirable but not essential.
Location: Hybrid with 3 days a week at our office based in Nottingham. If you are looking to join an organisation in growth mode that places customers at the heart of decision making, please apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Finance Director employer: Specsavers
Specsavers is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, making it a great place for professionals to thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to delivering outstanding value to customers, the Finance Director role offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team driving significant growth in the Audiology sector. Located in Nottingham, the hybrid work model allows for flexibility while being part of a company that values its colleagues and encourages meaningful contributions to its ambitious goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and audiology sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Specsavers and its growth plans. Understand their financial strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience can help them achieve their ambitious targets. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your leadership style and how you can drive performance effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to refine your communication skills. Remember, confidence is key when discussing your ability to influence senior leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Specsavers. Let’s get you that Finance Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in financial analysis and strategic planning, especially in retail or similar environments. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious growth targets!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Audiology sector and how you can contribute to our mission. We love seeing candidates who can connect their personal values with our goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Finance Director, you'll be leading a team and influencing key stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any successful change initiatives you've led. We’re looking for someone who can drive performance and inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Specsavers' Audiology business, like revenue growth and cost management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of qualified accountants. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly how you've developed teams and driven performance. Think about specific instances where you influenced change or improved team dynamics.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the retail environment and the unique challenges facing the Audiology sector. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach financial planning and analysis in this context, especially with the ambitious growth targets mentioned in the job description.
✨Build Relationships
Effective stakeholder management is crucial for this role. Think about how you've built relationships in the past, particularly with senior leadership. Be ready to share strategies for influencing decision-making and ensuring that financial insights are acted upon.
