Finance Director - Tech/Private Equity- Leeds (1st time FD role)

Axon Moore; Leeds; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Finance Director at a high-growth, PE-backed tech company in Leeds. This role entails comprehensive financial responsibility and positions the candidate for future leadership roles such as CFO or CEO. Ideal for ambitious candidates seeking to engage deeply with a dynamic organization.

Qualifications

• Proven FC or FD experience contributing to business growth.
• Excellent experience in UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Relevant experience in SaaS business models preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive business plan growth and performance management.
• Manage financial forecasting and planning processes.
• Develop finance systems, controls, and manage risk.

Skills

Financial acumen

Cash management

Stakeholder management

Operational insights

Education

Qualified accountant status

Job description

I am delighted to have been retained by an exciting, high-growth Leeds-based PE-backed Tech business, to appoint a Finance Director to join their board reporting to the CEO.

This forward-thinking and unique business was founded in 2018, and received PE investment in 2024 to accelerate its growth. Since then, the company has performed exceptionally well and is now on an exciting growth trajectory.

The Board is looking to appoint a Finance Director, specifically a high-calibre, ambitious 'future CFO'—a rising star who is focused and career-driven, seeking their first FD role.

If you are hardworking and capable, this role offers exposure to the entire business operation, including product development and revenue activities, alongside running the finance function.

Progression opportunities include potential future roles as CFO or CEO, ideally within the PE community, either as the next step or in another PE-backed business.

The FD will be a Board member reporting to the CEO, with overall financial responsibility and a significant voice on broader commercial matters.

The role includes:

1. Partnering with the CEO, Chair, and Investors to monitor and manage the Business Plan, driving growth and performance.
2. Working with the CEO to set challenging targets and develop robust financial models.
3. Providing constructive challenge and operational improvement initiatives.
4. Preparing financial objectives, managing the annual budgeting, forecasting, and planning processes.
5. Providing insightful financial and operational analysis to the Board.
6. Assessing performance against budgets and strategy, contributing to operational decisions.
7. Developing financial systems, controls, and managing risk and policies.
8. Leading cash flow, working capital, and treasury management.
9. Managing the annual audit and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
10. Developing and leading a visible finance team.
11. Ensuring high standards of control and accountability.
12. Communicating effectively with the Board and shareholders.
13. Managing external advisers on audit, tax, and insurance, ensuring compliance with reporting standards.

The successful candidate will have:

1. Qualified accountant status, with excellent financial acumen and experience in UK GAAP and IFRS.
2. Proven FC or FD experience with a track record of contributing to business growth, operational robustness, and management insights.
3. Experience working with strategic investors, focusing on value creation and cash management, with strong external stakeholder relationships.
4. Experience in funding or exit processes (desirable).
5. Relevant experience in SaaS businesses, understanding key market drivers and recurring revenue models (desirable).