This is a remote position.
Group Director Finance
Location - UK based (Hybrid), Monthly meetings in Manchester and occasional overseas travel
Full-time Permanent
Salary - £80k–£90k plus benefits (depending on experience)
About the Role
At Cognition, we are looking for an exceptional Group Director Finance to join our senior leadership team, reporting directly to the CFO. This is a high-impact opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and enjoys influencing strategic decision-making at the highest level.
As a trusted deputy to the CFO, you will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening governance, and supporting international growth across a complex, multi-jurisdictional organisation. You will work closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leadership teams to deliver clear financial insight, drive performance, and ensure robust financial control across the Group.
What You’ll Be Doing
Strategic Finance Leadership
* Act as a trusted deputy to the CFO, leading in their absence where required
* Support Board and executive discussions with clear, commercially focused financial insight
* Provide strategic financial leadership across the Group to support long-term growth objectives
* Partner with senior stakeholders to influence key business decisions
Financial Control & Compliance
* Ensure accurate and timely Group reporting across multiple jurisdictions
* Oversee balance sheet integrity, financial controls, and audit processes
* Lead statutory reporting, tax compliance, and governance across international entities
* Drive continuous improvement in financial risk management and compliance standards
Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
* Influence major commercial decisions through robust financial analysis and modelling
* Support pricing strategies, profitability analysis, and contract performance
* Partner with operational and business development leaders to improve commercial outcomes
* Deliver actionable insight to drive operational performance and margin improvement
Planning, Performance & Cashflow
* Lead budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning across the Group
* Provide forward-looking financial visibility to support strategic decision-making
* Manage cashflow, treasury activities, and financial risk, including FX exposure
* Monitor business performance and identify opportunities for efficiency and growth
Finance Transformation & Systems
* Drive improvements across financial systems, processes, and reporting capabilities
* Enhance data quality, accessibility, and business visibility
* Support scalable growth through automation and continuous improvement initiatives
* Champion best practice financial governance and operational efficiency
Leadership & Team Development
* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global finance team
* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial thinking
* Build financial capability across the wider organisation
* Inspire teams through strong leadership and clear direction
Requirements
About You
You are a strategic and commercially astute finance leader with strong technical capability and a collaborative leadership style.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CAANZ, or equivalent)
* Degree in finance, accounting, business, or equivalent experience
* Senior finance leadership experience within international or multi-entity organisations
* Strong expertise in financial control, reporting, forecasting, and compliance
* Commercial finance experience, including modelling, pricing, and business partnering
* Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
Skills
* Strong analytical capability with exceptional attention to detail
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to influence and challenge at executive and Board level
* Commercially minded with sound judgement and decision-making ability
* Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving environments
* Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions-focused approach
Benefits
25 days annual leave - plus bank holidays
An annual day off for birthday leave, a wellbeing day and a day off for volunteering
Life Assurance
Employee Assistance Program
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through our application portal. We will not accept CVs emailed through any jobs boards.
Please submit your CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role
Applications close Friday 8th June 2026 at 9am.
Interviews expected week commencing 15th June 2026
If you are looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, influence growth, and play a key leadership role within an ambitious international organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Please note: applications may close earlier if a high volume of suitable applications is received