Finance Director - Distribution

GerrardWhite; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the financial services sector is seeking a Finance Director to lead their financial strategy and operational governance. This role involves driving profitability and regulatory compliance, along with managing stakeholder engagement and financial planning to support business growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years of financial leadership experience in financial services, retail banking or insurance.
• Proven track record in financial strategy and compliance.
• Strong understanding of FCA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with business growth.
• Oversee financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.
• Manage financial performance related to underwriting and distributions.

Skills

Financial Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics

Professional finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Finance Director

with Insurance, Retail Banking or wide financial services experience

Gerrard White is currently seeking a Finance Director to be responsible for leading the financial strategy, governance and operations of an insurance distribution and broking business. As the Finance Director, you will ensure financial stability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency while driving profitability and growth.

This role also involves strategic financial planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to support business objectives. You will be working closely with and also reporting into the central group finance team and the Group Chief Financial Officer. You will be experienced and know the dynamics of working with a trading business and work in close proximity to the business.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with business growth and profitability.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CEO and Board to drive commercial decisions.
• Develop and oversee capital allocation, investment strategies and cost optimization.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting and budgeting processes for sustainable business growth.

2. Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports, including P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards (IFRS, GAAP) and corporate governance requirements.
• Drive operational efficiencies in financial processes, including revenue recognition, expense management, and cost controls.
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks and investors.

3. Regulatory & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and other relevant financial regulations.
• Monitor and manage financial risk, liquidity and solvency requirements.
• Ensure compliance with insurance broking regulations, including handling client money and regulatory capital requirements.
• Oversee internal and external audits, addressing any compliance issues.

4. Insurance Broking & Distribution Financial Oversight

• Manage financial performance related to underwriting, commissions, fees and premium financing.
• Monitor broking revenues, insurer rebates and profit-share agreements.
• Develop pricing models and financial structures to optimize profitability in distribution.
• Oversee insurer and reinsurer relationships from a financial perspective.

5. Business & Commercial Growth

• Work closely with commercial teams to develop financial models for new products, acquisitions, and partnerships.
• Support mergers & acquisitions (M&A) activities, including due diligence, financial integration and post-merger performance.
• Lead financial negotiations with insurers, partners and key stakeholders.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising service quality.

6. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to drive a high-performance culture.
• Collaborate with senior management across sales, operations, underwriting and compliance to align financial goals with business objectives.
• Engage with external investors, regulators, insurers and other financial stakeholders.
• Have the capability and credibility of working relationship with senior level customers and partners.

Key Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field.

• Professional finance qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA.

Experience:

• Minimum 10-15 years of financial leadership experience in wider financial services, retail banking or the insurance sector.

• Proven track record in financial strategy, regulatory compliance and risk management.

• Strong understanding of FCA regulations and capital requirements for insurance brokers.

• Mergers & acquisitions experience is advantageous.

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