Interim Finance Director

Smartech Interactive Pvt Ltd; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design-focused media and publishing business seeks an experienced Finance Director to lead during a period of international alignment. This role requires hands-on leadership skills to manage finance operations, support a small team, and facilitate financial processes between the UK and China. If you have proven experience and strong interpersonal skills, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Finance Director or in a senior finance role.
• Strong background in finance with hands-on capability.
• Experience in creative, media, or publishing sectors is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage all finance operations and reporting.
• Lead and support two direct reports in finance.
• Provide accurate financial forecasting and budgeting.

Skills

Strategic oversight

Financial forecasting

Budget management

Cashflow management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Senior financial role experience

Technical finance background

Experience in SME environments

Job description

Finance Director £700/day (Outside IR35)

Location: Hybrid London-based HQ1-2 days in the office per week.

Contract: Interim Day Rate £700 per day (Outside IR35)

A leading, design-focused media and publishing business with a £6M turnover is seeking an experienced Finance Director to lead its finance function during an exciting period of international alignment and operational consistency.

As the most senior figure in finance, you will report directly to the COO and have two direct reports. This is a business-as-usual role, ideal for a hands-on leader who can provide stability, strategic oversight, and process rigour.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of all finance operations and reporting
• Lead and support two direct reports within the finance team
• Act as a strategic partner to the COO and wider leadership team
• Ensure accurate financial forecasting, budgeting, and cashflow management
• Prepare and present financial reports for board and executive review
• Streamline financial processes to support growth and efficiency
• Provide insight on financial performance to support commercial decision-making
• (Highly desirable): Help bridge and align finance operations between the UK and China, facilitating better communication, systems integration, and reporting consistency
  
  

About You:

• Proven experience as a Finance Director or similar senior finance role
• Strong technical finance background with hands-on capability
• Previous experience working in SME environments, particularly in creative, media, or publishing sectors
• Comfortable managing a lean team and working at both strategic and operational levels
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels
• Experience working with international teams and cross-border finance practices, particularly in China, is a significant plus
  
  

This is a rare opportunity to join a purpose-driven, globally influential company known for its innovation in media, events, and design. If you're an experienced interim finance leader with a knack for international collaboration, wed love to hear from you.

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