At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and reporting for a large, multi-site organisation.
- Company: Dynamic organisation with over £500m in revenue and a complex operating model.
- Benefits: Competitive interim salary and the opportunity to lead a high-performing finance team.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and transformation in finance operations.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Finance Director in large organisations and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: UK Multi-site
Contract Type: Interim 6–9 months
Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer
Organisation Size: £500m+ revenue, multi-site, complex operating model
Team Size: ~50 FTE across Group Finance
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Interim Group Finance Director to provide strategic and operational leadership to the Group Finance function of a large, multi-site organisation with revenues exceeding £500m. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role is critical in ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, driving performance insight, strengthening controls, and leading a high-performing team of c.50 finance professionals across multiple locations. The successful candidate will bring gravitas, pace, and a hands-on approach to stabilising, enhancing, and optimising finance operations in a complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Leadership & Control
- Lead the Group Finance function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting across all entities.
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, driving continuous improvement in reporting timelines and quality.
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance frameworks, and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Act as a key escalation point for financial risk, controls, and technical accounting matters.
- Group Reporting & Compliance
- Own consolidated reporting, including statutory accounts, audits, and group consolidations.
- Lead relationships with external auditors and ensure a smooth and efficient audit process.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS (or relevant GAAP), tax regulations, and internal policies.
- Deliver clear, insightful reporting packs for the CFO, Board, and Executive Committee.
- Commercial Leadership & Business Performance
- Partner closely with the CFO, CEO, and commercial leadership to drive business performance and value creation.
- Provide forward-looking financial insight, analysis, and challenge to support strategic decision-making.
- Support revenue growth, margin expansion, and cost optimisation initiatives across the organisation.
- Evaluate commercial opportunities, investments, and business cases, ensuring robust financial appraisal and ROI focus.
- Drive consistency and rigour in forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning processes across multiple business units.
- Develop and enhance KPI frameworks to improve visibility of operational and financial performance.
- Act as a trusted advisor to divisional and operational leaders, balancing financial discipline with commercial pragmatism.
- Provide financial leadership on pricing, contract evaluation, and customer/channel profitability.
- Team Leadership & Transformation
- Provide leadership, direction, and development to a team of ~50 across group reporting, financial control, and shared services.
- Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability, delivery, and continuous improvement.
- Assess organisational structure, capability, and processes, implementing improvements where required.
- Stabilise and motivate teams during a period of change or transformation.
- Process Improvement & Transformation
- Identify and implement process efficiencies across finance operations and reporting cycles.
- Enhance use of systems, automation, and data to improve accuracy and insight.
- Support or lead finance transformation initiatives, including ERP optimisation or process redesign.
- Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner closely with the CFO and wider executive team to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
- Engage with divisional finance leads across multiple sites to ensure consistency and alignment.
- Present financial performance and insights to senior stakeholders, including Board-level audiences.
- Ad Hoc & Strategic Support
- Support the CFO on strategic initiatives such as M&A, restructuring, or funding activities as required.
- Provide additional leadership capacity during peak periods or business-critical projects.
Candidate Profile
Experience
- Proven track record as a Finance Director / Group Financial Controller / Interim Finance Leader within large (£500m+) organisations.
- Experience operating in multi-site, complex, and fast-paced environments such as retail.
- Strong background in group reporting, financial control, and audit management.
- Demonstrated experience managing large, geographically dispersed teams (30–50+).
- Strong commercial acumen with experience influencing business performance and strategic decisions.
- Prior interim experience or experience delivering in change or turnaround scenarios is highly desirable.
Interim Group Finance Director in Slough employer: Stanton House
As an Interim Group Finance Director at our large, multi-site organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values strategic leadership and operational excellence. We offer a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to lead a high-performing team of finance professionals while driving impactful financial insights across the business. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and continuous improvement in its finance operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Group Finance Director in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for an Interim Group Finance Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance insight and strengthened controls in previous roles. Show them you’ve got the gravitas and hands-on approach they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your experience in large, multi-site organisations. Use our website to find roles that match your skills and values, making it easier to tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Group Finance Director in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Group Finance Director. Highlight your experience in financial leadership, group reporting, and managing large teams. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and led teams in complex environments. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like improving reporting timelines or enhancing financial controls. We’re looking for results-driven candidates who can make an impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Group Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics and reporting standards. Brush up on IFRS and GAAP regulations, and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also lead a team in maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
With a team of around 50 finance professionals, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams during periods of change or transformation. Highlight your ability to drive a high-performance culture and how you’ve implemented process improvements in past roles.
✨Be a Strategic Partner
This role requires close collaboration with the CFO and other executives. Think about how you can provide forward-looking financial insights that support strategic decision-making. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your financial analysis has directly influenced business performance or value creation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Prepare for scenarios related to financial risk management, audit processes, or compliance challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and clearly demonstrate your thought process.
