At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive operational improvements in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Established multi-site retail business with a strong reputation and growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and significant influence across the organisation.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering real autonomy in a leadership role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a recognised brand and partner directly with the Managing Director.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in multi-site retail and strong commercial judgement.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 170000 £ per year.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a well-established, multi-site retail business. The business has a proud heritage and a strong reputation for serving customers across the UK. Having undergone significant transformation in recent years, it has returned to sustainable profitability and is now entering the next phase of its growth.
This is not a traditional Finance Director position. Whilst exceptional financial leadership remains the foundation, the successful individual will become one of the Managing Director's closest business partners, helping shape strategy, improve operational performance and take the business to the next level. This is a high-profile appointment with genuine influence across the organisation and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
As Finance Director, you will have full responsibility for the finance function, ensuring best-in-class financial control, reporting, governance and compliance. Beyond finance, you will work alongside the Managing Director as a trusted adviser and problem solver, taking ownership of key business initiatives and helping drive operational improvements across the wider business. This is a role for someone who enjoys operating beyond the traditional finance remit and thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing the finance function, ensuring best practice across financial reporting, controls, compliance and governance
- Defining and delivering the financial strategy in line with the wider business objectives
- Acting as Senior Accounting Officer (HMRC)
- Taking full ownership of working capital, cashflow, forecasting and financial planning
- Providing commercial insight and challenge to support business performance and strategic decision-making
- Acting as a trusted partner to the Managing Director, helping solve complex business challenges across multiple functions
- Supporting operational improvement initiatives across different areas of the business
- Presenting financial and operational performance to senior leadership and shareholders
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and long-term business performance
The Person
We are looking for an exceptional Finance Director who combines first-class technical finance capability with strong commercial judgement and the credibility to operate as a genuine business partner.
You will:
- Be a qualified accountant with proven experience as a Finance Director within a multi-site retail or consumer business
- Have an outstanding grasp of financial control, reporting, governance, cashflow, FP&A and working capital
- Be commercially aware with the ability to translate financial information into business decisions
- Be capable of operating well beyond the traditional finance remit, taking ownership of wider business challenges where required
- Have the confidence and credibility to influence at board level and constructively challenge senior stakeholders
- Be resilient, decisive and comfortable making difficult decisions in a demanding environment
- Enjoy working at pace and taking ownership of complex problems
- Be someone who naturally builds trust and becomes a genuine sparring partner to the Managing Director
Why Join
- A genuine opportunity to shape the future of a recognised multi-site retail business
- True number one finance role with significant influence across the organisation
- Direct partnership with the Managing Director and exposure to Group leadership
- Opportunity to broaden your remit beyond finance and play a key role in the overall direction of the business
- A highly visible leadership role with real autonomy and accountability
Zachary Daniels and our client are both equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Zachary Daniels is a Niche, National & International Recruitment Consultancy. Specialising in Buying, Merchandising & Ecommerce | Design, Technical, Wholesale & Production | Finance | HR & Talent | H&S & Compliance | Marketing, Digital & Technology | Property & Centre Management | Retail, Trade, Leisure & Wholesale Operations | Senior Appointments & Exec | Sales | Supply Chain & Logistics.
Finance Director in Woking employer: Zachary Daniels
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Woking
✨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 Zachary Daniels. 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 Woking
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 Zachary Daniels.
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 Zachary Daniels'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 Zachary Daniels
✨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 Zachary Daniels.
✨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 Zachary Daniels 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 Zachary Daniels 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.