Finance Director

Trial Balance; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A successful multi-site business in Barnstaple is seeking a Finance Director to oversee financial operations and lead a skilled finance team. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to shape and support ongoing growth while collaborating closely with the board and various departments. The ideal candidate will be a commercially minded finance professional, ideally qualified (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), with proven leadership skills and a passion for process improvement.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Company Vehicle

Qualifications

• Experience at Finance Director level or relevant managerial experience.
• Strong background in operational and strategic finance.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team.
• Produce monthly management accounts and forecasts.
• Oversee cash flow and statutory accounts.
• Collaborate with department heads.
• Act as a strategic partner to the board.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic planning

Team development

Stakeholder communication

Financial analysis

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

Digital accounting systems

Excel

Job description

Finance Director - Barnstaple - £Competitive Salary + Company Vehicle

Are you a commercially minded finance professional looking for your next big move? Whether you’re an experienced Finance Director or a Finance Manager ready to step up, this is a rare opportunity to join a successful and growing multi-site business based in Barnstaple.

Our client is a respected dealership group with a strong reputation for employee retention, career development and progressive thinking. While experience in the motor trade would be advantageous, it is by no means essential. Applications are warmly welcomed from candidates with a background in retail, service-led or multi-income stream environments.

As Finance Director you will take the lead in overseeing the financial operations of the business, working closely with the board of directors to shape and support ongoing growth. This is a hands-on, high-impact role that blends strategic input with day-to-day financial leadership. You will manage and develop a small, skilled finance team ensuring; accurate reporting, strong controls and continuous improvement across systems and processes. You’ll also be a key point of contact for external stakeholders, supporting both compliance and commercial relationships.

Key Responsibilities will include:

- Lead and develop the finance team, promoting high performance and ongoing professional development

- Produce accurate monthly management accounts, KPI analysis, budgets, and forecasts with detailed commentary

- Oversee cash flow, statutory accounts, VAT returns and balance sheet reconciliations

- Collaborate closely with department heads across sales, parts and repair to drive financial understanding and accountability

- Act as a strategic partner to the board, providing insight into performance, ROI and future funding needs

- Identify and deliver improvements to financial processes, systems and reporting tools

- Support ongoing business projects and play a lead role in financial planning and commercial decision-making

- Maintain strong relationships with banks, auditors, vehicle manufacturers and other key external stakeholders

- Deputise for directors on finance matters when required

You’ll be a commercially focused, forward-thinking finance professional with a strong background in both operational and strategic finance. Ideally fully qualified (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), you may already be operating at Finance Director level, or be an experienced Financial Controller or Finance Manager ready to step up. You’re hands-on, technically confident and used to working in fast-paced environments, particularly those with multiple departments or income streams. You’ll bring excellent communication and leadership skills, with a natural ability to influence stakeholders and support non-finance colleagues. You're confident with digital accounting systems, advanced in Excel, and always seeking to improve processes. Most importantly, you’ll be someone who thrives in a collaborative business where your insight and initiative will have a direct impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a senior role in a successful, values-led organisation. If you’re ready for your next move and want to make a real impact in a business with strong foundations and a forward-looking mindset, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential, informal chat, or to move straight to application, please contact Steve Roach, quoting reference SR10648.