The Opportunity:

The business is looking for a hands-on Finance Director who enjoys being close to operations, influencing decision-making and working alongside the Managing Director and wider leadership team to drive performance. The role offers broad, end-to-end responsibility for the finance function and genuine influence across the business. It goes well beyond reporting and control, with a strong focus on shaping strategy, improving margins and supporting operational decision-making. You will take full ownership of statutory reporting, budgeting and forecasting, while acting as a true business partner to operations on cost control, margin analysis and productivity improvements. There is also a strong commercial element, supporting decisions around pricing and operational efficiency, as well as responsibility for improving financial processes, controls and management information. You will lead and develop a small finance team and work closely with the Managing Director as a key member of the leadership group, helping to bring financial clarity and challenge to day-to-day and longer-term decisions. You will be commercially curious, operationally focused and comfortable spending time outside the finance office, with the confidence to roll your sleeves up and get involved in the detail when required. You will also have the presence and credibility to challenge, influence and support senior stakeholders. We value mindset, ambition and the desire to grow with a business that is still evolving rather than one that is already fully formed.
This is a genuine FD role, offering high visibility and real influence, a close working relationship with the Managing Director, and the chance to be part of a leadership team where finance actively shapes operational outcomes rather than simply reporting on them.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support growth and profitability across delivery of multiple services in line with strategic objectives of the business.
• Lead the timely and accurate preparation and reporting of financial reports, statements, and analysis to regulators, government bodies, internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and present annual budgets, multi-year forecasts, and long-term financial models.
• Deliver accurate and timely, financial reporting, performance dashboards, and variance analysis.
• Support tariff/pricing models in line with regulatory requirements and customer affordability goals.
• Manage cash flow and working capital to ensure operational and infrastructure resilience.
• Oversee financing strategies, including debt and funding for major capital projects.
• Ensure that effective IT systems are deployed to provide secure, timely and accurate information in a format that resonates with all internal stakeholders and appropriate safeguards are in place for cyber security and disaster recovery.
• Identify and manage financial risks, including market volatility and political & regulatory changes.
• Implement strong internal controls and corporate governance standards.
• Ensure compliance with UK financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax requirements.
• Oversee audits and liaise with external auditors, investors, and regulators.
• Improve the financial awareness and skills of non-finance staff in critical areas to improve their skills and accountability for their management of financial matters in their roles.
• Foster a culture of professional standards, accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with all other pillars of the business.

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• A fully qualified (CIMA, ACA, or ACCA) with a proven track record in a finance leadership role.
• Demonstrates a forward-thinking, strategic approach with a practical, grounded pragmatic perspective with the ability to roll their sleeves up & get into details.
• Exceptional communication skills across all stakeholder groups, verbally, written and numerically.
• Experience of developing financial controls, procedures, and financial management systems.
• Proven change management skills and able to pivot technical and consultancy delivery to drive significant improvement and efficiency.
• Exceptional attention to detail and excellent IT skills.
• High integrity and openness combined with a commitment to good governance.
• Energetic, motivated with a passion for excellence and innovation in pursuit of business growth and success

Benefits:

• Salary depending on experience.
• Car allowance
• Bonus Scheme
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Company Pension
• Private Healthcare
• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays