Finance Director

Harper May Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance recruitment agency is seeking a Finance Director for an established leisure and entertainment business in London. This role involves building and leading the finance function, providing strategic direction, and ensuring financial governance. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in a multi-site, consumer-facing business and hold a relevant qualification like ACA or ACCA. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence a business at a pivotal stage of growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or Financial Controller in a multi-site, consumer-facing business.
• Strong understanding of UK accounting standards, statutory reporting, and financial systems.
• Experience in high-volume, seasonal operations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a new finance function to support the carve-out and ongoing operations.
• Partner with the leadership team to develop financial strategy, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Deliver all statutory, management, and group reporting.
• Build, lead, and mentor a small, high-performing finance team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial control and governance

Team leadership

Commercial insight

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)

Job description

We are currently supporting the recruitment of a Finance Director for an established leisure and entertainment business currently undergoing an exciting carve-out and transition to standalone ownership. With annual revenues of around £40m, a workforce of circa 300 permanent employees. This is a well-established, high-volume consumer business with ambitious growth plans under new ownership.

This is a rare opportunity to join a newly independent business at a pivotal stage of its journey. As Finance Director, you will be responsible for building and leading the finance function from the ground up, creating the financial infrastructure, systems, and processes to support future growth. You’ll partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to deliver strong financial control, commercial insight, and strategic direction.

This role will suit an experienced finance leader who thrives in a hands‑on, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys creating structure in a fast‑paced, evolving business.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Establish and lead a new finance function to support the carve‑out and ongoing operations.
• Partner with the leadership team to develop financial strategy, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Provide commercial challenge and decision support across all business areas.
• Develop and implement financial systems and controls appropriate for a multi‑site operation.

Financial Control & Governance

• Deliver all statutory, management, and group reporting.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow processes.
• Ensure compliance with all audit, tax, and financial regulations.
• Implement strong governance and internal control frameworks.

Operational Finance

• Support site operations with financial insight and performance analysis.
• Oversee cash management, working capital, and cost control initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, banks, and advisors.

Team Leadership

• Build, lead, and mentor a small, high‑performing finance team.
• Drive a culture of accountability, commercial awareness, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent).

Experience

• Proven experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or Financial Controller in a multi‑site, consumer‑facing business (e.g. leisure, retail, hospitality, or gaming).
• Strong understanding of UK accounting standards, statutory reporting, and financial systems.
• Experience in high‑volume, seasonal operations desirable.