At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and improve processes in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Established SME manufacturing firm with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working days, and opportunity for immediate impact.
- Other info: On-site role in West London with parking available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in finance while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified Finance Director experience in manufacturing is essential.
A well-established manufacturing business with steady growth is seeking an experienced Fractional Finance Director in a newly created role. You will provide senior financial leadership during a critical period of development.
You will work with the founders of the business and oversee the current finance team. The focus will be on improving management information, establishing FP&A, and reviewing the current processes, systems, and controls. You will drive meaningful change and provide short and long-term recommendations.
The role is primarily on-site in West London, so you must be based locally or within a reasonable commuting distance. Parking is available.
This position is for you if you have worked in a senior finance role within SME Manufacturing. You will need to be a hands-on leader who takes a simple, collaborative, and outcome-driven approach.
The Responsibilities
- Lead and support the finance function providing constructive challenge alongside commercial insight.
- Strengthen financial governance, controls, and reporting discipline.
- Assess current finance systems and processes.
- Implement simple, robust processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Improve management information for better decision-making.
- Ensure costing models and product margins are accurate and UK GAAP compliant.
- Deliver high-quality financial reporting to the Board.
- Develop clear KPIs and performance dashboards.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning.
- Position finance as a proactive partner to operations and commercial teams.
Key Experience & Skills
- Qualified Finance Director-level experience within a manufacturing environment (essential requirement).
- Seeking a Fractional and interim role.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing finance, including costing, stock control, and margin analysis.
- Proven experience operating in factory-based/operational settings, working closely with on-site teams.
- Ability to rapidly assess systems, identify weaknesses, and implement improvements.
- Hands-on, practical approach with the ability to deliver change on-site.
- Strong commercial acumen, including business planning, forecasting, and performance analysis.
This is a great opportunity to make a tangible impact in a growing manufacturing business. It's a visible role working closely with senior leadership to scope and shape the finance function.
Fractional FD in London employer: Trace
Join a leading renewable energy and infrastructure investment firm that prioritises innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact the growth of the organisation. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, this role provides exceptional opportunities for professional development and leadership within a collaborative environment, all set in a vibrant city known for its commitment to green initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional FD in London
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
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✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
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For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Trace for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional FD in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Trace. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Trace. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trace
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Trace, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Trace.
