Finance Director

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

Job summary

A leisure and entertainment company in London seeks a Finance Director to build and lead the finance function during its transition. You will partner with the CEO and senior leadership for strategic financial management, reporting, and governance. The ideal candidate has significant experience in a similar role within a multi-site consumer business. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape financial operations during a pivotal phase 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 and financial systems.
• Experience in high-volume, seasonal operations desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a new finance function for the business.
• Partner with leadership on financial strategy and performance reporting.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow processes.
• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial strategy development

Financial reporting

Commercial challenge

Budgeting and forecasting

Team leadership

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Job description

We are currently supporting the recruitment of a Finance Director for an established leisure and entertainment business currently undergoing an excitingcarve-out and transition to standalone ownership. With annual revenues of around£40m, a workforce ofcirca 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. AsFinance Director, you will be responsible forbuilding 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 amulti-site, consumer-facing business(e.g. leisure, retail, hospitality, or gaming).
• Strong understanding of UK accounting standards, statutory reporting, and financial systems.
• Experience inhigh-volume, seasonal operationsdesirable.