Finance Director

Harper May Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing financial services group in the UK is seeking a Finance Director to oversee financial operations and lead the finance team. This key role involves driving performance through strategic planning, ensuring compliance in a regulated environment, and providing commercial insights for business growth. Ideal candidates will be fully qualified accountants with strong leadership experience in financial services. The position offers an opportunity to shape the group's long-term direction within a dynamic organization.

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualified experience in finance.
• Background in financial services or regulated environments.
• Experience leading finance teams in multi-entity settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team with accurate reporting.
• Oversee management accounts and statutory reporting.
• Drive budgeting and forecasting aligned with business strategy.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial insight to support growth plans.

Skills

Financial controls

Risk management

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Excellent communication

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Job description

Our client is a growing and highly regarded financial services group providing a range of innovative solutions across retail and commercial markets. As the organisation enters a new phase of strategic development, they are seeking a Finance Director to lead the finance function and play a central role in shaping the group’s long-term direction.

Role Overview

The Finance Director will oversee all financial operations, driving performance through clear reporting, strong controls, and strategic planning. Working closely with the executive leadership team, the role combines hands‑on operational oversight with commercially focused support to guide business growth and future initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring accurate reporting, effective controls, and ongoing process improvement.
• Oversee management accounts, statutory reporting, and the preparation of board packs.
• Drive financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with the overall business strategy.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements in a regulated financial services environment.
• Provide commercial insight and financial modelling to support product development, investment activity, and wider growth plans.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
• Implement scalable systems and processes to improve efficiency and support future expansion.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team, contributing to key decisions across the organisation.

Candidate Profile

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with strong post‑qualified experience.
• Background in financial services or another regulated environment is essential.
• Proven experience leading a finance team within a complex, multi‑entity group.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence at board level.
• In‑depth understanding of financial controls, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills with a proactive and hands‑on leadership style.