Finance Director Designate

ICAEW; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ICAEW is seeking a senior finance leader to drive the evolution of its finance function in Manchester. You will work closely with the CFO to embed best practice, drive innovation, and deliver continuous improvement across reporting, controls, and business partnering.

In this high-visibility role you will influence senior stakeholders, shape behaviours, and build a forward-thinking, high-performing finance team with strong national and international opportunities.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA, ACCA or CIMA certification and experience in complex, fast-paced tech/ SaaS environments.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with ability to engage large, diverse finance teams.
• Excellent communicator at senior levels, capable of driving change and shaping behaviours.

Responsibilities

• Lead evolution of the finance function, embedding best practice and continuous improvement in reporting and controls.
• Partner with CFO and cross-functional teams including sales, marketing and operations to drive commercial performance.
• Define new ways of working and build a high-performing finance organisation.

Skills

Leadership

Influencing

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

Your new company

You will be joining a high-growth, market-leading technology and software business with an exceptional track record of both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Following a period of significant transformation, the organisation is entering its next phase of growth, with further investment planned to scale across existing and new markets. This is a pivotal time to join, with real opportunity to shape the future commercial and reporting landscape.

Your new role

This is a highly visible, strategically important role with a mandate to drive best-in-class finance capabilities. You will lead the evolution of the finance function, embedding best practice, driving innovation, and delivering continuous improvement across reporting, controls, and business partnering. Working closely with the CFO, you will provide both strategic direction and operational leadership, partnering across sales, marketing, and operations to enhance commercial performance. You'll play a key role in defining new ways of working, influencing senior stakeholders, and building a forward-thinking, high-performing finance environment.

What you'll need to succeed

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with experience operating in complex, fast-paced organisations – ideally within technology, SaaS, or software environments. You will bring strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and inspire large, diverse finance teams. A credible and confident communicator, you will be comfortable operating at senior levels, driving change and shaping behaviours. Experience developing frameworks, improving performance, and embedding a high-performance culture will be key.

What you'll get in return

You will receive a highly competitive package of up to £100k + car allowance and bonus. This is a predominantly site-based role (5 days), offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact both commercially and culturally. The business offers outstanding career progression within a respected, well-established organisation, with strong national and international opportunities. There is a clear and achievable pathway to Finance Director within 12-18 months, based on performance and delivery. The Manchester-based office is well located with excellent access to transport links and local amenities.