Finance Director Designate

The Opportunity Our client is a successful and growing business within the financial services sector seeking an ambitious qualified accountant to join as Financial Controller with a clear pathway to Finance Director within approximately 12 months, subject to agreed milestones. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of the finance function while developing into a strategic leadership role. This is an outstanding opportunity to make a genuine impact within an entrepreneurial business pursuing both organic growth and acquisitions. The Role Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will lead the day-to-day finance function across the group while supporting strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities include: • Producing monthly management accounts, Board reports, budgets and forecasts. • Preparing statutory accounts, VAT returns, payroll and regulatory reporting. • Managing treasury, cash flow, funding facilities and financial covenant reporting. • Maintaining strong financial controls and overseeing intercompany accounting. • Acting as the key contact for external accountants and auditors. • Building relationships with lenders, funding partners and other key stakeholders. • Providing commercial financial insight to support growth initiatives and potential acquisitions. • Developing the finance function and progressively assuming the responsibilities of Finance Director. The role also offers exposure to operational finance, including underwriting support, lending transactions, funder relationships, covenant compliance and regulatory reporting. About You You will be ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong post-qualification experience and the ambition to progress into a Finance Director role. You will demonstrate: • Strong experience in management accounting, statutory reporting and financial planning. • Treasury, cash flow and balance sheet management expertise. • Excellent stakeholder management with experience working alongside accounting firms/auditors, lenders and senior leadership. • Commercial acumen and the ability to influence business decisions. • Advanced Excel skills and a hands-on approach. • The confidence to thrive within a growing, owner-managed business. Experience within financial services or regulated environments and knowledge of Sage would be advantageous but are not essential. The Package In return, our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package including pension, private medical insurance and a quarterly bonus. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a stable, ambitious organisation offering a clearly defined route to Finance Director, genuine strategic influence and excellent long-term career prospects.