Finance Director

Harper May Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected financial services group in London is seeking a Finance Director to oversee financial operations and lead the finance team. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with significant experience in financial services, possessing strong commercial acumen. This role offers the opportunity to shape the group's future direction and ensure regulatory compliance while driving performance through strategic financial planning.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with significant post-qualified experience.
• Background in financial services or a regulated environment is essential.
• Proven experience leading a finance team within a complex, multi-entity group.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence at board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance team, ensuring accurate reporting and effective controls.
• Oversee the preparation of management accounts and statutory reporting.
• Drive financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Provide strategic insight and financial modelling for growth initiatives.

Skills

Financial management

Regulatory compliance

Financial planning

Communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Job description

Our client is a growing and well-respected financial services group offering a range of innovative solutions across retail and commercial markets. As the business enters a new phase of strategic development, they are seeking a commercially focused Finance Director to lead the finance function and play a key role in shaping the group's future direction.

Role Overview

The Finance Director will oversee all financial operations, drive performance through robust reporting and strategic planning, and ensure regulatory compliance across the group. Reporting into the executive leadership team, this role combines hands‑on operational finance with forward‑looking commercial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance team, ensuring accurate reporting, effective controls, and continuous improvement across financial operations

• Oversee the preparation of management accounts, statutory reporting, and board packs

• Drive financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes in alignment with business strategy

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements relevant to the financial services sector

• Provide strategic insight and financial modelling to support product development, investment, and growth initiatives

• Manage external relationships, including auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies

• Implement scalable systems and processes to support operational efficiency and future growth

• Act as a key advisor to the executive team, contributing to strategic decisions across the organisation

Candidate Profile

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with significant post-qualified experience

• Background in financial services or a regulated environment is essential

• Proven experience leading a finance team within a complex, multi‑entity group

• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence at board level

• Deep understanding of financial controls, risk management, and compliance frameworks

• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, hands‑on leadership style