Finance Director

Harper May is partnering with an evolving financial services organisation to appoint a strategic Finance Director. As the business enters a pivotal growth phase, this role will be instrumental in enhancing financial visibility, driving performance, and maturing the firm’s finance capability within a regulated landscape.

The Role

Reporting to the Executive leadership, the Finance Director will assume full accountability for the finance function. This high-impact role requires a leader who can balance technical financial control with the foresight needed to drive strategic initiatives. You will act as a key architect in the firm’s development, ensuring finance is a value-adding partner to the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Direct and evolve the finance function to support long-term scaling and corporate objectives.

• Commercial Insight: Provide high-level intelligence to the Executive team, identifying profitability drivers and advising on business performance.

• Reporting & Analysis: Oversee the delivery of comprehensive management information and board packs, ensuring clarity on the firm’s financial trajectory.

• Planning & Forecasting: Lead budgeting and long-term financial planning cycles, aligning fiscal strategy with growth targets.

• Systems & Process: Proactively implement improvements to financial systems, automation, and reporting frameworks.

• Capital & Cash Management: Rigorously monitor cash flow, liquidity, and the firm’s overall financial position.

• Governance & Control: Maintain the highest standards of financial integrity and robust controls in line with regulatory requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating complex data into strategic narratives.

• Team Development: Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and commercial curiosity.

Candidate Profile

• Qualifications: Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant post-qualification experience.

• Sector Expertise: Proven track record at a senior level (FD or Head of Finance) within Financial Services or a similarly regulated environment.

• Strategic Vision: A leader who looks beyond the ledger to provide genuine commercial direction.

• Technical Mastery: Exceptional reporting and analytical skills with a meticulous approach to data integrity.

• Leadership: Strong experience in professionalising finance teams and developing talent.

• Communication: An influential communicator capable of building immediate rapport with Board-level stakeholders.