Our client is a long established global market leader and a niche SME business that is at the forefront of design, advanced manufacturing and technology for an innovative range of products and systems to highly demanding worldwide customers.
The business is well positioned for the future, is experiencing exceptional sales growth and has a strong forward order book. They are committed to continued investment in research and new product development for existing and new markets, both of which offer significant commercial opportunities for further expansion.
They are seeking an ambitious Finance Director who will play a leading role in the strategic growth of the business. The appointee will provide robust financial management and leadership to drive value creation in a manner that balances the strategic requirements to drive improvement in all facets of the business with the day to day hands-on responsibilities for the management of the function.
Reporting to the Managing Director and deputising in his absence, you will be an influential member of the Senior Leadership Team and will uphold the highest standards of ethics in maximising the financial performance and integrity of the company.
The Role
- versee and take responsibility for all company financial affairs encompassing forecasts, budgets, cash management, reporting and controls to ensure effective financial service provision and support strategic planning and decision-making.
- Lead annual budget planning and forecasting; collaborate with senior management, providing financial information and analysis; recommend strategies for improvement to maximise profitability and add value across the business.
- Monitor the processes and information required to manage the production of timely monthly and quarterly management accounting information including flash figures, profit and cash forecast. Oversee the production of the annual statutory accounts.
- Manage working capital by maximising the efficiency of credit, cash and purchase processes, maintaining robust relationships with banks and other external stakeholders.
- Optimise the foreign exchange risk of a highly export driven company where 80% of revenues are dominated in USD / EUR.
- Provide hands-on leadership and direction to the finance and IT functions, ensuring training and development opportunities to optimise potential, promote a can do culture and improve overall financial performance and operational efficiency company wide.
- Provide financial oversight of commercial activities including contracts for sale, terms and conditions and purchase of goods, proactively driving the finance function’s role as a supportive business Partner.
- Responsibility for company insurances, pensions and tax submissions, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements for the multi-site/ global business entities.
- Establish and review effective financial procedures, controls and IT systems to ensure financial accuracy and security and maintain compliance with internal processes.
- Ensure a strong finance commercial link with the sales team to ensure quotations and orders received achieve the required levels of gross margin to maintain and improve the overall performance of the business.
- Develop KPI’s and scorecards for all areas of the business, ensure robust processes are in place for capturing and reporting on stock control, inventory management and costs.
- Oversee grant applications, evaluate capex proposals & business cases; verify all financial information including savings, margins, ROI, R & D tax credits and post approval tracking.
- Monitor internal controls, oversee audit processes and ensure compliance with UK GAAP and applicable standards for financial and tax reporting.
- Maintain a high standard of health & safety within the department and Company overall, promote positive & safe working practices, ensuring that all practices support the company’s environmental and health & safety policies.
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance professional in a highly demanding SME manufacturing environment.
- A Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with extensive post qualification experience in financial management and accounting.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification.
- Strong leadership and communication skills to engage with and when necessary, challenge internal and external contacts, support business decision and influence at all levels of the company.
- A track record of success in managing and mentoring effective Finance and IT teams.
- Commercially astute with sound analytical skills and the understanding of operations to prepare budgets, forecasts and reports and explain complex data to a wide audience.
- Able to raise the profile of the finance department and increase levels of business partnering to better support non-financial managers and enhance cross functional decision making.
- Previous experience of working at board level is desirable.
- Able to think strategically but also be operationally hands-on.
- Experience of driving operational efficiency & continuous improvement initiatives within a business in order to enhance income, profitability and drive out costs.
- Strong IT skills, proficiency with PC, MS Office & accounting software – familiarity with manufacturing and integrated business systems (MRP) is highly desirable.
- Personal attributes sought include a natural pro-activity, well developed presentation and relationship management skills.
- Lead by example :- develop people, encourage collaboration, be resilient, remain calm under pressure, work to tight timescales; resolve problems and manage competing demands.
- Strong ethics (trust & integrity) as well as sound strategic, planning and risk management skills; able to handle complex concepts and make well informed decisions.
- Experience of financial reporting involving international multi-sites/ business operations could be
- Valid passport – willing to occasionally travel overseas and a full UK Driving Licence.
