Group Finance Director

Zachary Daniels Recruitment; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Group Finance Director based in Oxford. The role involves taking ownership of the finance agenda, driving strategic initiatives, and enhancing the financial capabilities of the company. Candidates should have significant experience in senior finance roles within SMEs, complemented by a strong commercial outlook. The package includes a salary range of £80,000 - £120,000 along with a bonus scheme and company car allowance.

Benefits

Performance-linked bonus

Company car allowance

Generous management incentive plan

Qualifications

• Proven senior finance leadership experience within an SME environment.
• Track record of building and developing finance teams.
• A commercial, hands-on leader with experience beyond pure finance.

Responsibilities

• Shape long-term strategy as part of the senior leadership team.
• Bring all outsourced accounting and finance activities in-house.
• Work with commercial and operational leaders to drive revenue growth.

Skills

Attention to detail

Commercial judgement

Collaboration

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Group Finance Director | Oxford | £80,000 - £120,000 plus car, attractive bonus scheme / MIP | Private Equity Backed Specialist Distributor

The Finance Director will take ownership of the entire finance agenda, bringing the function in-house, building capability, and providing commercial insight that supports strategic decision‑making across the business. Reporting to the MD and Board, you will be a key partner in defining and delivering the next stage of growth.

About the Company

Our client is a well‑established specialist distributor serving manufacturing and trade sectors across England. Backed by new private equity investment, the business is entering a phase of professionalisation and growth, creating a rare opportunity for a senior finance leader to help shape its future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Business Partnering

• Shape long‑term strategy as part of the senior leadership team
• Develop the financial plan, annual budgets, and KPIs that underpin commercial and operational targets
• Partner with the MD on strategic initiatives including acquisitions, geographic expansion and product diversification
• Provide commercial insight around pricing, margin enhancement, depot performance and customer profitability
• Act as the financial lead in supplier negotiations and wider commercial conversations

Finance Function Build and Control

• Bring all outsourced accounting and finance activities in‑house, establishing a high‑performing finance team
• Oversee financial reporting, control and compliance
• Upgrade systems and processes, including ERP and reporting tools, to improve visibility across depots
• Produce timely, accurate management information, dashboards and board packs

Commercial and Operational Insight

• Work with commercial and operational leaders to drive revenue growth, improve depot performance and optimise stock and debtor management
• Support pricing strategy, rebate structures and margin management
• Provide financial leadership to the e‑commerce and online business units

Cash Management, Funding and Capital Structure

• Maintain disciplined cash flow and working capital oversight
• Manage relationships with banks, lenders and insurers
• Support strategic decision‑making around investment and capital allocation

Leadership

• Build, mentor and develop a best‑in‑class finance team
• Support the MD in developing a cohesive, high‑performance leadership culture
• Promote accountability, continuous improvement and commercial curiosity

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven senior finance leadership experience within an SME environment
• Track record of building and developing finance teams
• A commercial, hands‑on leader with experience beyond pure finance
• Comfortable building structure, process and capability from the ground up
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Skills and Attributes

• Attention to detail - a natural eye for accuracy and excellence
• Commercial judgement - someone who anticipates issues, challenges assumptions and looks around corners
• Collaboration - a team‑first mindset, clear communicator, and someone who contributes across the whole business

Package

• £80,000 - £120,000 plus attractive bonus scheme / MIP, Company car allowance, and benefits
• Performance‑linked bonus
• Generous management incentive plan with equity participation
• Clear development pathway with potential to grow beyond the Finance Director remit