Financial Director

Ceto Talent; Fareham; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ceto Talent is seeking a commercially astute Finance Director to own the finance function and partner with the Managing Director to shape strategic and commercial direction for a growing SME in the UK.

The role goes beyond financial reporting, focusing on improving profitability, cash generation and operational efficiency while preparing the business for its next phase, including potential sale or investment.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA or CIMA.
• Experience as Finance Director, Head of Finance or Financial Controller in an SME.
• Proven track record of improving profitability and cash generation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and commercial insight to support growth.
• Lead finance, payroll and credit control functions.
• Strengthen governance, controls, and reporting across the business.
• Support investment decisions and potential acquisitions.
• Prepare the business for sale or private equity investment.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder partnership

M&A/PE transaction experience

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified

Job description

I'm working exclusively with an established and growing engineering business to appoint a commercially astute Finance Director.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to take ownership of the finance function and work in close partnership with the Managing Director, helping shape the strategic and commercial direction of the business.

This is not simply a role focused on financial reporting and control. The business is looking for someone who can genuinely influence performance, challenge the status quo and drive improvements in profitability, cash generation and operational efficiency.

A particularly exciting aspect of the opportunity is the role you'll play in preparing the business for its next stage of development, including potential future sale or investment.

You’ll help build the financial infrastructure, governance, reporting and commercial performance needed to maximise shareholder value and ensure the business is transaction-ready.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll take responsibility for the overall finance function while becoming a key contributor to the wider leadership team.

Your remit will include:

• Providing strategic financial leadership and commercial insight to support business growth.
• Leading and developing the finance, payroll and credit control functions.
• Driving improvements in profitability, EBITDA, cash flow and working capital.
• Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and business performance analysis.
• Working closely with operational and commercial teams to improve margins and financial performance.
• Strengthening financial controls, governance, systems and reporting processes.
• Supporting investment decisions, strategic initiatives and potential acquisitions.
• Leading the development of a robust financial platform to support future transaction activity and exit readiness.

About You

You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), with experience operating as a Finance Director, Head of Finance or Financial Controller within an SME or growing business environment.

We’re particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:

• Strong commercial and strategic finance capabilities.
• Experience within engineering, manufacturing, industrial services, construction, rental or infrastructure.
• A track record of improving business performance, profitability and cash generation.
• The ability to partner effectively with operational and senior leadership teams.
• Experience supporting or preparing a business for sale, private equity investment, MBO, M&A or another corporate transaction.
• The confidence to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when required.

Why This Opportunity?

For the right individual, this is a chance to make a genuine impact on a growing business, influence its strategic direction and help shape its future value.

You’ll have the autonomy to develop the finance function, work closely with the MD and play an instrumental role in preparing the business for its next significant milestone.