We are seeking an exceptional Finance Director to act as the strategic and operational right hand to the Managing Director during an ambitious period of transformation and rapid growth. With a clear trajectory to scale by 30% year-on-year over the next 5 years, this role is critical to driving financial performance, shaping long-term strategy, and building a scalable finance infrastructure from the ground up. As a qualified accountant (CIMA or ACCA) with proven experience in both SMEs and large-scale organisations, you will bring a balance of hands-on operational control and strategic foresight. You will be instrumental in embedding financial rigour, building a high-performing team, implementing systems and controls, and enabling intelligent, data-led decisions to propel business growth. Strategic Financial Management - Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with long-term growth and diversification goals. - Sales pipeline analysis, financial modelling, scenario planning, and cash flow management to support strategic decision-making. - Create and execute cash generation strategies to support business liquidity and growth. - Drive initiatives that increase enterprise value and sustainable profitability. - Advise the board on financial matters, including exit strategies and business sale readiness. - Carry out financial risk planning - Drive pricing strategies and identify technology-driven efficiencies. - Negotiate and secure funding and investment options as necessary. Financial Reporting & Control - Enhance financial reporting processes for transparency and timely decision-making. - Oversee internal controls, accounting policies, and regulatory compliance. - Maintain and oversee management accounts and cash flow forecasts. Financial Operations & Team Leadership - Lead and develop the finance team (currently a Trainee Management Accountant and an Accounts Assistant). - Assess and restructure the finance function to support future growth. - Manage capital requirements, asset registers, lease financing, and key asset purchases. - Take direct responsibility for producing management accounts and supporting day-to-day finance operations. Operational Finance Responsibilities - Manage the transactional team and oversee/review sales ledger, purchase ledger, cash posting, and all general ledger entries. - Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances. - Support month-end and year-end close processes. - Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls. - Ensure financial processes, systems, and controls are operating effectively. - Maintain statutory records for the business. - Prepare consolidated statutory accounts. - Review all management accounts packs. - Handle VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax duties. - Oversee FX forecasting and purchases and account for FX variances to give consistency of product GPs. - Liaise with auditors and prepare audit packs. - Lead project management of process changes and implementations. - Work with budget holders in the preparation and management of departmental budgets. - Ensure effective financial systems/procedures are in place, including adherence to GAAP rules and regulations. - Analysis of sales pricing scenario planning including product GP analysis - Demonstrate strong IT skills and experience in implementing a new ERP system. Business Partnering & Growth - Partner with operational teams to support financial decision-making across departments. - Engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment with growth strategies. - Provide financial insight to support sector-specific expansion. Competencies and Skills Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent). Has experience of working in a business through a business exit or investment event. Comfortable being hands-on with financial operations, including management accounts production and cash flow forecasting. Demonstrated ambition and capability to step into a Finance Director role. Proven ability to build and lead teams, with a vision for scaling the finance function. Experience in SMEs or divisions of larger corporates, with exposure to board advisors and funders. Sector experience in distribution or buy/sell businesses preferred. Strong IT skills and experience in ERP system implementation. Package - Companywide bonus scheme (GBS) - 25 days holiday bank holidays your birthday off - LinkedIn Learning access - Employee Assistance Programme - Employer pension contribution - Quarterly reward and recognition scheme - Working hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday