At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting while driving strategic decision-making.
- Company: Fast-scaling international services business with an entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant influence and career growth in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 61408 - 70089 £ per year.
We’re partnering with an ambitious, fast-scaling international services business in Leicester, entering an exciting phase of expansion. With a strong commercial focus and entrepreneurial culture, the business is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Finance Director to play a pivotal leadership role. Reporting to the COO, and working closely with the Group CFO and UK MD, you will lead the organisation’s financial management and reporting while supporting the delivery of the overall financial strategy and operational performance. This role offers significant influence across the business, combining strategic input with hands-on leadership of a finance function ready to innovate.
As a key member of the finance leadership team, you will ensure robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and effective business partnering across the organisation. You will drive financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure full compliance with regulatory and governance requirements. This role requires the perfect blend of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and leadership capability, enabling you to manage day-to-day finance operations while contributing to wider business growth and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities- Financial Management & Control
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, statutory requirements, and internal policies
- Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes
- Monitor and manage cash flow, working capital, and financial risk
- Maintain robust financial controls and governance frameworks
- Lead audit processes and act as the key point of contact for external auditors
- Oversee tax compliance, VAT, and statutory filings
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, develop, and mentor the finance team to deliver high performance
- Establish clear structure, accountability, and succession planning
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and collaboration
- Work closely with the Group Finance & Operations Director to align finance with business strategy
- Business Partnering & Commercial Support
- Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision-making
- Partner with senior leaders across the business to improve financial performance
- Challenge assumptions and identify opportunities to enhance profitability and efficiency
- Support investment appraisals, business cases, and capital allocation decisions
- Contribute to M&A activity, including due diligence and integration
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners (auditors, banks, advisors)
- Present financial performance and insights clearly at senior level
- Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement
- Drive improvements in financial systems, reporting tools, and processes
- Ensure effective utilisation of their ERP systems and manage a new ERP implementation
- Promote data-driven decision-making through high-quality analysis
- Identify and deliver efficiencies across finance operations
- Risk Management & Governance
- Support development and maintenance of risk management frameworks
- Ensure strong financial governance across all business activities
- Monitor and escalate financial risks appropriately
- Ensure compliance with internal controls and corporate policies
- Delivering Value Responsibly
- Champion health & safety governance and support a Zero Harm culture
- Promote environmental and sustainability principles aligned to business objectives
- Ensure adherence to quality standards within the finance function and wider organisation
- Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role (Finance Director, Head of Finance, or Financial Controller)
- Strong technical accounting and financial reporting expertise
- Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning
- Exposure to complex or multi-entity organisations
- Familiarity with ERP systems and financial software
- Experience with complex inventory management
- Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability
- Ability to translate financial data into clear business insight
- Proven leadership and people management skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong communication and stakeholder management capability
- Solid understanding of UK financial regulations and reporting standards
- Personal Attributes
- Credible and confident engaging with senior stakeholders
- Proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- High integrity and ethical standards
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Collaborative, team-oriented approach
- Aligned with organisational values such as agility, collaboration, and accountability
- Experience supporting M&A activity
- Track record of finance transformation or system implementation
- Exposure to international operations
- Opportunity to join a high-growth, internationally ambitious organisation
- A senior leadership role with real strategic influence
- Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package
- Collaborative and forward-thinking culture
- Hybrid working with a Leicester base
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact Finance Director role at a pivotal stage of growth. You’ll play a central role in shaping financial strategy, driving performance, and building a best-in-class finance function in a business with significant international ambition.
Director of Finance And Operations in Leicester employer: Spencer - Richardson
Join an ambitious and fast-scaling international services business in Leicester, where you will thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture. As a Finance Director, you will enjoy significant influence and leadership opportunities, supported by a collaborative work environment that fosters continuous improvement and innovation. With a competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance And Operations in Leicester
✨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.
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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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Spencer - Richardson. 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 Director of Finance And Operations in Leicester
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 Spencer - Richardson.
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 Spencer - Richardson'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 Spencer - Richardson
✨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 Spencer - Richardson.
✨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 Spencer - Richardson 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 Spencer - Richardson 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.
