Group Finance Director

Sowena Group; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Sowena Group in Greater Manchester is seeking an experienced Finance Director to lead all financial aspects of the fast‑growing, PE‑backed services group. Reporting to the CEO and Board, you will shape financial strategy, drive performance, and build scalable systems and controls to support rapid expansion.

This role blends strategic influence with hands‑on leadership, including FP&A, governance, and working with investors to optimise capital allocation and profitability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Finance Director or senior finance leader in a fast-growth or acquisitive business.
• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
• Strong technical accounting expertise with strong commercial acumen.
• Experience working with private equity, boards and senior stakeholders.
• Hands-on leadership style with ability to drive change and improvements.
• Confident communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial strategy and support growth plans, including acquisitions.
• Act as trusted adviser to CEO and Board on performance and capital allocation.
• Strengthen controls, governance, and compliance as the business scales.
• Deliver high-quality financial reporting, forecasting, FP&A, and insights.
• Partner with operational teams to improve margins and manage costs.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity.
• Build and develop a high-performing finance team.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Technical accounting

Private equity experience

Leadership

Financial analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

Accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

Sowena Group are delighted to be retained in the search for a Group Finance Director for a PE backed, fast‑growing, and services group based in Greater Manchester. The company is set for a period of substantial growth, with plans to double in size. With a strong reputation in the facilities management sector, the business is committed to expanding its operations, investing in cutting‑edge systems, and ensuring robust financial controls. The Finance Director will play a crucial role in leading the company’s financial strategy, optimising commercial performance, and supporting operational improvements.

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Finance Director to join the leadership team of a fast‑growing, private‑equity backed business. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior, high‑impact role with responsibility for leading all financial aspects of the organisation and supporting its ambitious growth plans.

The Finance Director will work closely with the CEO, Board, and investors to shape financial strategy, drive performance, and ensure the business is well‑positioned to scale. This role blends strategic influence with hands‑on leadership, including building robust financial controls, developing scalable systems and infrastructure, and creating a high‑performing finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the financial strategy and support the execution of the company’s growth plans, including acquisitions and integration
• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board on financial performance, investment decisions, and capital allocation
• Strengthen financial controls, governance, and compliance as the business scales
• Deliver high‑quality financial reporting, forecasting, FP&A, and commercial insight
• Partner with operational and commercial teams to improve margins, manage costs, and drive profitability
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity
• Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing finance team

About You

• Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in a fast‑growing or acquisitive business, ideally in the facilities management or services sector
• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
• Strong technical accounting expertise combined with excellent commercial acumen
• Experience working with private equity, boards, and senior stakeholders
• Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to drive change and continuous improvement
• Confident communicator with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

This role offers a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in a dynamic and rapidly growing company. If you are a forward‑thinking finance professional with experience in scaling businesses and leading financial transformations, please click apply or contact Perran Cooke for more information.