Finance Director Artemis Executive Search has been retained by a high-growth SME to appoint a commercially focused Finance Director ahead of a significant private equity investment. The business is at a pivotal stage in its journey and will embark on an ambitious buy-and-build strategy, targeting multiple acquisitions over the coming years. The Opportunity Our client is a well-established, profitable business with a strong market position and a highly experienced leadership team. The incoming Finance Director will play a key strategic and operational role in preparing the business for investment, professionalising the finance function, and supporting the execution of acquisitions post-investment. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a private equity-bound business at the inflection point of a transformational growth journey. Key Responsibilities Strategic Finance Leadership Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, shaping financial strategy, commercial planning, and business growth initiatives. Develop and execute a comprehensive value creation plan aligned with private equity expectations and long-term growth goals. Define and track KPIs and performance dashboards focused on core value drivers such as occupancy, staffing ratios, and site-level EBITDA. Lead complex financial modelling to support strategic decisions, including growth forecasting, site expansion, and bolt-on acquisitions. Financial Management & Control Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful monthly reporting, including P&L, cash flow, and variance analysis. Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance frameworks that meet PE-grade standards. Prepare and present board packs, investor updates, and liaise with external advisors (audit, tax, legal, due diligence). Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including statutory accounts, payroll, tax, supplier payments, and credit control. Commercial Value Creation Provide commercial insight to support data-driven decisions around staffing models, pricing strategies, and margin improvement. Identify cost optimisation opportunities and inform procurement strategies. Build site-level performance visibility and directly link operational metrics to financial outcomes. Systems & Process Optimisation Lead the transformation and scaling of finance systems to support multi-site operations and future acquisitions. Implement structured budgeting, forecasting, and BI tools appropriate for a growing, investor-backed group. Automate key finance workflows (e.g., invoicing, payroll, reporting) to drive efficiency and reduce reliance on manual processes. M&A Execution & Investor Engagement Support all phases of M&A, from financial due diligence to integration of acquired entities. Engage with investors and external advisors on capital structuring, funding rounds, and investment cases. Play a key role in preparing the business for future liquidity events, including secondary buyouts or trade sales. Candidate Profile Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a proven track record in senior finance leadership, ideally within a PE-backed or high-growth SME environment. Experience supporting M&A activity, including financial due diligence, integration, and funding structures. Strong commercial acumen and ability to challenge and support cross-functional teams. Comfortable operating in a hands-on role, while building systems, teams, and controls for scale. Excellent communication skills with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders, including investors and board members. Benefits: bonus equity