Group Finance Director (Central Belt, Scotland) in Livingston

Group Finance Director (Central Belt, Scotland) in Livingston

Livingston Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a dynamic multi-site business.
  • Company: Join a transformative organisation in Central Belt, Scotland.
  • Benefits: High visibility at Board level and opportunities for meaningful change.
  • Other info: Be part of a pivotal transformation stage with excellent career prospects.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance while driving growth and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Chartered Accountant with senior finance leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Talent Focus has been retained by a dynamic and evolving multi-site business to recruit a Group Finance Director to join its Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the organisation’s next phase of growth. The opportunity is based, full time, in our client's Central Belt, Scotland office. This is a high-impact opportunity to join the business at a critical point in its evolution — with a strong balance sheet, reduced debt position, and a clear mandate to invest, reposition assets, and drive long-term value creation.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the CEO, the Group Finance Director will lead the Group finance function, providing strategic and operational leadership across all financial disciplines. You will play a key role in aligning financial strategy with broader business objectives, supporting investment decisions, and driving performance across a complex, multi-site portfolio. This role combines strategic leadership, financial control, and commercial influence, with significant exposure to Board-level decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all aspects of financial control, reporting, and governance (monthly, quarterly, annual)
  • Develop and implement the Group’s financial strategy, aligned to overall business objectives
  • Own the annual budgeting and financial planning process
  • Monitor performance against budgets and provide regular reporting to the Board
  • Oversee group tax planning and compliance
  • Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and advisors
  • Drive weekly cash flow management and liquidity planning
  • Ensure compliance with banking covenants
  • Evaluate and deliver investment opportunities, including robust financial modelling and ROI analysis
  • Lead on asset disposals and capital allocation strategy
  • Provide financial oversight across a diverse asset base, including development opportunities
  • Present at Board level, delivering clear insight into financial performance and strategy
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team of c.40 professionals
  • Drive innovation and transformation, including implementation of systems to improve automation and efficiency
  • Build and enhance financial processes to support a scaling and evolving organisation

Candidate Profile

  • Qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA or equivalent)
  • Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role (CFO, Finance Director, strong #2 in a large, multi-site organisation or within a large accounting firm)
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence strategic decisions
  • Experience operating within a complex, multi-entity environment
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including Board-level exposure
  • Track record of leading teams and driving performance
  • Comfortable operating in a dynamic, evolving business environment
  • Flexible with travel and able to operate outside standard hours when required

Why This Role?

  • Join a business at a pivotal transformation stage
  • Play a central role in investment, growth, and strategic repositioning
  • High visibility and influence at Board level
  • Opportunity to shape and build a best-in-class finance function
  • Lead meaningful change, innovation, and value creation

Group Finance Director (Central Belt, Scotland) in Livingston employer: Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting

Join a dynamic and evolving multi-site business in Central Belt, Scotland, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's growth trajectory as the Group Finance Director. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and significant opportunities for strategic influence at Board level, this role offers a unique chance to lead meaningful change and drive innovation within a supportive environment. The company is committed to investing in its people and fostering a culture of excellence, making it an excellent employer for those seeking impactful and rewarding careers.

Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting

Contact Details:

Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Finance Director (Central Belt, Scotland) in Livingston

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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting. 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 Group Finance Director (Central Belt, Scotland) in Livingston

Financial Control
Strategic Leadership
Financial Strategy Development
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Performance Monitoring
Tax Planning and Compliance
Stakeholder Management

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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting.

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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting'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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting

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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting.

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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting 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 Talent Focus Executive Search and Consulting 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.