At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and investment decisions for Belfast Harbour's £1.3 billion vision.
- Company: Belfast Harbour, a key player in Northern Ireland's economy and trade.
- Benefits: Company car, private medical insurance, income protection, life assurance, and pension.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and influence major investment decisions for regional prosperity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a vital economic institution during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and significant executive-level financial leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
Help Deliver a £1.3 Billion Vision for Regional Prosperity.
4C Executive Placement are proud to partner with Belfast Harbour in the appointment of a new Finance Director, a pivotal executive leadership role at an exciting period in the organisation's history. A cornerstone of the economy, Belfast Harbour is Northern Ireland's principal port, handling around 70% of the region's seaborne trade and facilitating almost £27 billion of trade each year. The trade enabled through Belfast Harbour contributes £8.8 billion in Gross Value Added to the regional economy and supports approximately 155,000 jobs across NI. As an Independent Statutory Authority operating under the Trust Port model, Belfast Harbour is commercially independent, self-funded and receives no public funding. Every pound of post-tax profit is reinvested into the port, the estate and the communities it serves. With annual turnover of £97.1 million and underlying profit before tax of £44.4 million, Belfast Harbour combines financial strength with a clear sense of purpose.
The organisation is currently delivering a fully funded £313 million investment programme through its 2025-29 Strategy, Advance Regional Prosperity, and has set out a long-term vision for up to £1.3 billion of investment through its Masterplan 2025-2050, Horizons of Opportunity. Looking ahead, changes in the legislative and operating environment may create additional opportunities to further accelerate investment and growth. Belfast Harbour is therefore seeking a Finance Director who can combine robust financial stewardship with the strategic vision required to support the organisation's next phase of development.
There has rarely been a more significant moment to join Belfast Harbour. As NI navigates major opportunities in trade, renewable energy, place-making and economic growth, Belfast Harbour is uniquely positioned to help shape that future. The Finance Director will play a central role in ensuring the organisation has the financial strength, agility and ambition to turn that vision into reality.
A Career-Defining Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of the regions most important economic institutions. Far more than a traditional finance leadership role, the position offers the chance to influence major investment decisions, support transformational development and help deliver long-term regional prosperity. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and as a key member of the Leadership Team, the Finance Director will help shape Belfast Harbour's future at a time of significant investment, growth and transformation.
The successful candidate will lead the organisation's financial strategy, capital planning, treasury, risk and governance functions, ensuring Belfast Harbour remains financially resilient, commercially agile and well positioned to support its long-term ambitions. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and Leadership Team, the Finance Director will provide strategic financial leadership to support major investment decisions, capital allocation and organisational performance. The role will also build strong relationships with financial institutions, investors, commercial partners and other key stakeholders.
As Belfast Harbour delivers the first horizon of its Masterplan and prepares for future opportunities, the Finance Director will play a central role in maintaining the organisation's financial strength, supporting major investment decisions and ensuring Belfast Harbour is well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities as they emerge.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape Belfast Harbour's long-term financial, funding and investment strategies.
- Provide the financial leadership and strategic stewardship required to support delivery of Belfast Harbour's long-term £1.3 billion Masterplan, encompassing port infrastructure, trade growth, clean energy and advancing regional prosperity.
- Lead corporate finance, treasury, financial planning, risk management and governance activities.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Board, Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
- Ensure robust financial stewardship, investment appraisal and capital allocation across the organisation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with lenders, financial institutions, investors, customers and commercial partners.
- Build trusted relationships with government, regulators and key stakeholders, providing financial insight to support Belfast Harbour's long-term strategic objectives.
- Lead and develop high-performing finance, risk and governance teams.
About You
We are seeking an exceptional finance leader with the strategic vision, commercial judgement and executive presence to operate at the highest levels. You will bring:
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and significant executive-level financial leadership experience.
- A strong track record in corporate finance, treasury, funding strategy and capital investment.
- Experience leading major capital projects or investment programmes within infrastructure, ports, transport, utilities, energy, property or similarly capital-intensive sectors.
- The credibility to influence Boards, executive teams and external stakeholders.
- Proven experience leading high-performing teams and driving organisational performance and change.
To Apply
For further details on the role and criteria or for a confidential discussion, please contact 4C Executive Placement. Alternatively to apply, please submit your CV and covering letter via the link below. Please note the closing date for applications is 12 pm on Friday 18th September 2026.
Skills: Chartered Accountant. Treasury Management. Financial Leadership. Capital Projects/Large Scale CAPEX. Corporate Finance.
Benefits: Company Car, Private Medical Insurance, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Pension.
Finance Director in Belfast employer: Workcircle
At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the aerospace industry, offering a dynamic work culture that values individuality and innovation. Our Derby location provides a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects like Test Bed 80, with ample training and growth opportunities for both experienced and early career engineers. With a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to inclusivity, joining Rolls-Royce means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of aerospace technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Belfast
✨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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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 Workcircle. 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 Finance Director in Belfast
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 Workcircle.
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 Workcircle'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 Workcircle
✨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 Workcircle.
✨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 Workcircle 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 Workcircle 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.
