At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: 1 day per week commitment with potential for significant career growth.
- 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.
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
Join a values-led, environmentally conscious business in Sandbach, Cheshire, where you can make a significant impact as a Fractional Finance Director. With a commitment to sustainable growth and a supportive work culture, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while working closely with a dedicated team. Enjoy a flexible one-day-per-week engagement, competitive day rates, and the chance to contribute to a thriving company poised for expansion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Finance Director (1 Day per Week)
✨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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Universal Business Team. 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 Fractional Finance Director (1 Day per Week)
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 Universal Business Team.
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 Universal Business Team'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 Universal Business Team
✨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 Universal Business Team.
✨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 Universal Business Team 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 Universal Business Team 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.
