Key Achievements:
- Developed and executed financial strategy, resulting in 20% year-on-year revenue growth.
- Streamlined budgeting and forecasting processes, reducing cycle time by 35%.
- Implemented cost optimisation initiatives, saving £4M annually.
- Improved cash flow management and liquidity planning, reducing short-term financing needs by 50%.
- Introduced financial reporting dashboards for executive leadership and board, improving decision-making speed.
- Led ERP and finance system implementation, enhancing reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Strengthened internal controls, reducing errors and financial misstatements by 40%.
- Oversaw M&A activities, ensuring financial due diligence, integration, and synergies realisation.
- Improved working capital management, reducing inventory and receivables cycles by 25%.
- Negotiated financing and banking arrangements, securing favourable terms for capital and debt facilities.
- Standardised management reporting templates across multiple subsidiaries, improving transparency.
- Developed KPIs for financial performance monitoring, increasing visibility and accountability.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance, ensuring zero material findings from external audits.
- Mentored and developed finance leadership team, resulting in 4 internal promotions.
- Implemented tax planning strategies, reducing corporate tax exposure by 10%.
- Led process improvement initiatives, automating financial reporting and reconciliations, saving 30+ hours per month.
- Improved cost allocation and profitability analysis to inform strategic business decisions.
- Strengthened treasury and investment management, optimising cash reserves and returns.
- Enhanced scenario planning, forecasting, and risk assessment capabilities for senior leadership.
- Delivered financial insights and business cases for strategic investments and capital projects.
- Developed policies and procedures to strengthen corporate governance and compliance.
- Partnered with operations to improve efficiency, cost management, and operational performance.
- Successfully navigated complex regulatory environments across UK, US, and international markets.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead the finance function, including accounting, FP&A, treasury, and reporting, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Develop and implement financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement systems.
- Oversee financial planning, risk management, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Provide actionable insights to executive leadership and the board to drive business growth.
- Manage, mentor, and develop senior finance staff, fostering a high-performing team.
- Drive financial process improvement, automation, and systems optimisation across the organisation.
- Support strategic initiatives, M&A, capital investments, and long-term planning decisions.
What does a Finance Director do?
A Finance Director leads an organisation's finance function by overseeing financial reporting, strategic planning, budgeting and business performance. They work closely with executive leadership to drive growth, improve profitability and support long-term business objectives.
What qualifications do you need to become a Finance Director?
Most Finance Directors are ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with significant senior finance leadership experience. Employers also value expertise in commercial finance, business strategy and people management.
What skills are important for a Finance Director?
Finance Directors require outstanding leadership, strategic thinking and commercial awareness. Strong communication, financial analysis and stakeholder management skills are essential for influencing executive decision-making.
What are the responsibilities of a Finance Director?
Responsibilities include leading finance teams, overseeing budgets, preparing financial strategy, managing financial risk, supporting investment decisions, ensuring regulatory compliance and reporting directly to senior executives or the board.
What career progression is available for a Finance Director?
Finance Directors commonly progress into Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer or Non-Executive Director positions.