Finance Director | Innovative Design Consultancy | London

Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design consultancy in London seeks a Finance Director to shape financial strategy and drive operational excellence. This role involves overseeing the finance function, leading a team, and collaborating with leadership to ensure sustainable growth. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in finance within creative industries, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Finance Director or Head of Finance.
• Experience in design, architecture, or creative industries.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the company’s strategic financial direction.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Cash Flow Management

Stakeholder Influence

Education

Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Finance Director | Innovative Design Consultancy | London

Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp | Pay Range

This range is provided by Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base Pay Range

Finance Director | Innovative Design Consultancy | London

The Client

We are partnering with a highly respected and innovative design consultancy specializing in design and the built environment. Known for their award-winning contributions, they lead in creating transformative urban, residential, and mixed-use spaces. They foster a collaborative, innovative, and people-first culture across their London headquarters and regional studios. They are seeking a Finance Director to shape and execute their financial strategy to support growth and impact.

The Role

The Finance Director will provide financial leadership, working closely with the leadership team to develop and implement strategic financial plans and ensure operational excellence. This role oversees the entire finance function, including strategic planning, risk management, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

Leading a small finance team, you will ensure accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting while promoting a culture of precision and efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned finance professional to make a significant impact within a creative, fast-paced environment that values innovation and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the board to define and drive the company’s strategic financial direction.
• Provide timely financial analysis and reporting to inform decision-making.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning aligned with business goals.
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency across finance operations.
• Advise leadership on business planning, risk management, and strategic initiatives.
• Anticipate financial risks and identify growth opportunities, implementing strategies accordingly.
• Establish and optimize financial systems for reporting, scalability, and efficiency.
• Oversee management accounts, financial reports, and board presentations with clear insights.
• Manage cash flow to ensure liquidity and support strategic objectives.
• Monitor key financial metrics such as cash flow, WIP, and profitability to support sustainable growth.
• Collaborate with project teams to analyze costs, review profitability, and ensure accurate invoicing and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards, VAT, and HMRC regulations.
• Build relationships with external partners like auditors, banks, and insurers.
• Mentor and develop the finance team, fostering collaboration and professional growth.

Minimum Requirements

• Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or QBE considered).
• Experience in design, architecture, or creative industries.
• Proven experience as a Finance Director or Head of Finance.
• Background in project-based industries with strong project costing and analysis skills.
• Exceptional financial skills including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder influence.

Preferred

• Previous board-level experience.
• Passion for innovative and creative environments.

Location: London

Start Date: Flexible

Harmonic is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure equitable consideration for all candidates.

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