At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial guidance during an important interim period.
- Company: Join a successful SME in Belfast City Centre with a dynamic growth phase.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000 - £90,000, immediate start, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on the business while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with significant experience in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you an accomplished senior finance professional available at short notice and looking for an interim leadership opportunity within a growing SME? VANRATH are working with a successful Belfast-based business who are seeking an experienced Finance Director to provide senior financial leadership during an important period for the organisation. This is an immediate-start opportunity offering the chance to make a tangible impact across the finance function and wider business.
Salary / Benefits
- £80,000 - £90,000 equivalent salary (negotiable depending on experience)
- Immediate start required
- Belfast City Centre location
- Interim contract for an initial 6 months minimum
- Opportunity to make an immediate impact within an established SME
- Senior leadership position with significant exposure to the wider business
About your next employer
VANRATH are pleased to be partnering with an established SME based in Belfast City Centre in their search for an Interim Finance Director. The organisation is entering an important phase and requires an experienced finance leader who can provide stability, commercial insight, and strong financial oversight from day one. Reporting directly into the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will take ownership of the finance function and play a key role in supporting the business through the next stage of its development. This is a hands-on interim appointment, initially for a minimum period of six months, and would suit an experienced Finance Director or senior financial controller who is comfortable operating in an SME environment. Given the immediate requirement, candidates who are available immediately or at very short notice are strongly encouraged to apply.
About you
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience
- Previous experience operating at Finance Director, Financial Controller or equivalent senior leadership level
- Strong commercial understanding with the ability to provide clear financial guidance to senior stakeholders
- Demonstrable experience across management accounts, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting
- Strong understanding of financial controls, governance and process improvement
- Comfortable working within an SME environment and taking a hands-on approach when required
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Available to commence an interim assignment at short notice
What you'll do
- Take overall responsibility for the finance function and provide effective leadership during the interim period
- Deliver timely and accurate management information to the senior leadership team
- Lead the budgeting, forecasting and financial planning cycle
- Monitor cash flow, working capital and overall financial performance
- Provide commercial analysis and insight to support key operational and strategic decisions
- Strengthen financial controls, processes and reporting where required
- Oversee statutory reporting, audit requirements and relevant tax and regulatory obligations
- Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function
- Act as a key financial partner to the Managing Director and wider leadership team
- Lead, support and develop the existing finance team
Finance Director (Belfast City Centre) employer: VANRATH
Join a forward-thinking manufacturer in the Derry area as a Maintenance Technician, where you'll enjoy a stable dayshift role with an early finish every Friday. Our supportive team environment fosters professional growth, offering excellent training and development opportunities, ensuring you can advance your career while contributing to continuous improvement projects in a modern manufacturing facility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director (Belfast City Centre)
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like VANRATH.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like VANRATH might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director (Belfast City Centre)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at VANRATH will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at VANRATH. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give VANRATH confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with VANRATH.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure VANRATH that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
