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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a growing design business.
- Company: Established, values-led company focused on sustainability and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, on-site lunch, and parking provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal role with autonomy and influence.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Finance Director in SMEs; strong commercial finance skills.
- Other info: 1 day per week commitment with potential for significant career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Sandbach, Cheshire (on-site)
Day Rate: 600 (PAYE or LTD)
Start Date: From 1 April 2026 (earlier start considered)
We are acting as an introductory agent on behalf of a long-established, privately owned business operating within the design sector. With a current headcount of circa 53 employees and 2025 turnover of 6.05m, the business has a clear strategic ambition to scale sustainably to 7.m+ in 2026 supported by strong EBITDA performance. The business is values-led, environmentally conscious and focused on long-term sustainability, both commercially and operationally.
This is a board-facing, hands-on Finance Director role, operating on a one-day-per-week basis, designed to bring objectivity, challenge and commercial rigour into the leadership team. You will act as a trusted right-hand advisor to the Managing Director and shareholders, taking ownership of the finance function while providing strategic oversight and governance. This role carries real influence and accountability, rather than being purely advisory in nature.
Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of management accounts, reporting accuracy and financial discipline
- Strengthen financial governance, controls and accountability at board and shareholder level
- Act as a commercial sounding board, constructively challenging decisions and assumptions
- Provide clarity and discipline around cash management, spend and shareholder drawings
- Support the existing finance team (Accounts Manager plus two team members)
- Improve data quality, insight and visibility to enable informed decision-making
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and performance tracking
- Support growth from 5m to 10m turnover, ensuring financial scalability
- Advise on systems strategy (current Sage 50; ERP considerations from 2027 onwards)
- Protect and enhance long-term enterprise value
Ideal Candidate and Qualifications
This role will suit an experienced Finance Director or Fractional FD who thrives in SME, owner-managed environments and is comfortable operating with autonomy and authority. You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience at FD / Board level, ideally within SMEs (5m-20m turnover)
- A track record of supporting growth, governance and commercial decision-making
- The confidence to ask difficult questions and challenge constructively
- A pragmatic, independent mindset with no emotional attachment to outcomes
- Strong technical and commercial finance capability
- Experience working with existing finance teams and external advisors
- Exposure to system scalability and infrastructure planning
Formal qualifications (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) are advantageous but not essential if supported by demonstrable FD-level experience.
Working Pattern & Package
- Commitment: 1 day per week
- Day Rate: 600
- Engagement: PAYE or LTD
- Location: Sandbach, Cheshire (on-site)
- Lunch provided on working day
- On-site parking available
Why Consider This Role?
This is a high-impact, low-days commitment opportunity to partner with a stable, growing business at a pivotal stage of its journey. The board is open to challenge, values independent thinking and is actively seeking a finance leader who will take ownership rather than simply report numbers.
Fractional Finance Director (1 Day per Week) employer: Universal Business Team
Contact Detail:
Universal Business Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Finance Director (1 Day per Week)
✨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 opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their values, goals, and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of a Fractional Finance Director. Highlight your ability to challenge decisions and provide strategic oversight, as this is key for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Finance Director (1 Day per Week)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Fractional Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in SMEs, governance, and commercial decision-making to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the ideal candidate. Don’t forget to mention your approach to financial governance and scalability.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and improve financial processes. We love numbers, so include metrics where possible to quantify your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments in the design sector. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions
Since this role is board-facing, be ready to discuss strategic financial governance and how you can challenge assumptions constructively. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully influenced decision-making at a senior level.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your technical finance capabilities, especially in relation to management accounts and cash management. Highlight any experience with systems like Sage 50 or ERP solutions, as this will demonstrate your readiness to support their financial scalability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about their current financial challenges or how they envision the role evolving as the company scales. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in the position.
