Associate Director, Finance

Red Personnel; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent professional membership organization is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Finance to oversee finance operations and promote excellence. This high-impact role requires a qualified accountant with significant experience in leading finance teams and executing financial strategies. The position offers an opportunity to shape the financial future of a respected organization in the UK. Ideal candidates will excel in a collaborative environment and demonstrate strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in a finance role within an SME or similar environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing finance teams.
• Strong organisational skills to manage competing demands.

Responsibilities

• Lead the group statutory and management reporting functions.
• Direct the preparation of annual statutory accounts.
• Oversee budgeting and forecasting processes.

Skills

Leadership

Financial strategy execution

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant (minimum 5 years PQE)

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance professional to join a prominent professional membership and regulatory organisation as Associate Director, Finance. This high-impact leadership role is responsible for overseeing all finance operations, promoting excellence, and embedding a culture of financial responsibility across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the group statutory and management reporting functions, ensuring all reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with relevant standards.
• Direct the preparation of annual statutory accounts and coordinate the year-end audit processes; liaise with external auditors to resolve technical accounting matters.
• Oversee budgeting and forecasting processes ensuring outputs support strategic decision-making and are delivered within deadlines.
• Manage the full suite of finance operations, including cash and investment management, balance sheet controls, fixed assets, debtor/creditor terms, and stock/work-in-progress.
• Develop and continuously improve financial policies, internal controls, and risk management frameworks to support strong governance and compliance.
• Serve as a key member of the Finance Board and support the Audit and Risk Committee, providing clear and actionable financial insight for business-critical decisions.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a dynamic finance team, building a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and service excellence.
• Oversee procurement and supplier management, fostering strong relationships with banks, investment managers, system suppliers, and external partners.
• Assist with ongoing improvements and implementation of finance systems and processes across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (minimum 5 years PQE)
• Senior experience in a broad finance role within an SME, group, or similar environment
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop high-performing finance teams
• Demonstrated track record of shaping and executing financial strategy
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial acumen
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills: able to translate complex data for non-financial audiences and advise leadership teams
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and adapt to new challenges
• Inclusive, collaborative leadership style with a focus on impact and delivery

Desirable:

• Experience in the not-for-profit, regulatory, or multi-site sectors
• Background in finance system implementation and process improvement
• Experience negotiating and managing supplier contracts
• Empathy with professional and volunteering communities
• Innovative with a focus on customer experience and continuous improvement

Join a forward-thinking team and play a key role in shaping the financial future and service excellence of a respected organisation. If you have the skills and experience for this opportunity and are looking to join a long established, highly regarded membership institute submit your CV now for immediate review. Interviews to take place.