Commercial Finance Director

Commercial Finance Director

Full-Time 90000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive business performance in a fast-growing vape retailer.
  • Company: Join VPZ, the UK's top vape retailer with 200 locations and ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Competitive senior leadership package and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Other info: Work on-site in Newbridge, Edinburgh, and enjoy a vibrant team culture.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a dynamic industry and potentially step into executive leadership.
  • Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong finance leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.

VPZ is the UK’s number one vape retailer.

Since opening our first store in Edinburgh, we've expanded to 200 locations across the UK and we're not stopping there.

We are known for setting and driving the standards within the vape industry, this is a great time to join us as we continue to grow.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly commercial, hands on Commercial Finance Director who can do far more than report the numbers.

This person must understand how the business actually makes money, where margin is created or lost, how stock and cash move through the business, and how finance can drive better decisions across retail, manufacturing, online, product, supply chain and operations.

The role requires a switched on, commercially curious leader who can build a faster, sharper finance function while also acting as a genuine strategic partner to the owners and senior team.

For the right person, this role has the potential to develop beyond finance into a broader executive leadership position, including possible future consideration as CEO.

Please note, this role requires 5 days on site at our Head Office in Newbridge, Edinburgh

Key Responsibilities

  • Commercial Finance & Business Performance
  • Own and improve management reporting, ensuring the business has fast, accurate and commercially useful information.
  • Provide clear analysis of revenue, gross margin, EBITDA, cash, stock, working capital and profitability.
  • Build reporting that shows performance by store, region, channel, category, product, supplier and brand.
  • Identify where the business is making or losing money and drive actions to improve performance.
  • Challenge operational and commercial decisions using facts, data and commercial judgement.
  • Strategic Planning, Forecasting & Regulation
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting and scenario planning across the Group.
  • Build robust models for regulatory changes, including vape duty, product regulation, pricing, stock strategy and margin impact.
  • Support strategic decision making around store performance, manufacturing capacity, stock investment, product mix and supplier exposure.
  • Help the business prepare for future sale, investment or transaction activity.
  • Improve forecast accuracy and hold departments accountable for delivery against plan.
  • Provide commercial insight into risk, opportunity and long-term value creation.

The ideal candidate will be

  • ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or equivalent by experience.
  • Experienced in retail, FMCG, consumer goods, manufacturing, multi-site, wholesale, distribution or another operationally complex business.
  • Highly commercial, not just technical.
  • Able to work with incomplete information and still make good decisions.
  • Strong on cash, margin, stock, forecasting and working capital.
  • Senior finance leadership experience in a commercially focused business.
  • Strong management reporting and forecasting experience.
  • Proven ability to improve finance processes and controls.
  • Experience working closely with operations and commercial teams.
  • Strong understanding of margin, cashflow and working capital.
  • Experience managing and developing a finance team.
  • Ability to present clearly to owners, directors, lenders, investors or advisers.

Package

Competitive senior leadership package, dependent on experience and capability.

Applicants must be 18 years old or above, any subsequent job offer is subject to pre-employment screening and right to work checks.

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Commercial Finance Director employer: VPZ

VPZ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the rapidly growing vaping industry. Located in Coatbridge, we provide our Retail Sales Specialists with comprehensive training, generous discounts on products, and numerous opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive team culture makes VPZ a fantastic place to build a rewarding career.

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Contact Details:

VPZ Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Director

✨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 VPZ. 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 Commercial Finance Director

Commercial Acumen
Financial Analysis
Management Reporting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Scenario Planning
Cashflow 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 VPZ.

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 VPZ'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 VPZ

✨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 VPZ.

✨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 VPZ 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 VPZ 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.