Finance Director

Title: Finance Director

Location: East Sussex – Hybrid/Remote Working Options

Salary: £120,000 – £140,000, plus discretionary bonus & wider benefits

Our client, a PE-backed consultancy group with a strong international footprint, is seeking a Finance Director to join their East Sussex office. This is a pivotal leadership role within the finance function, reporting directly to the Executive Chairman, and will play a critical part in shaping financial strategy, governance, and performance management across the group.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Board and Executive Chairman on strategic and corporate projects, driving value creation across the group
Review and enhance finance, sales, operational processes, and information systems to ensure robust, scalable, and effective reporting and controls
Develop and implement an improved financial reporting framework, including IT system enhancements to support business growth
Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, investors, and shareholders
Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful financial management information for the Board and senior leadership team
Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting cycles, including variance analysis and performance reporting
Provide commercial support on strategic decision-making, including pipeline analysis, pricing, and margin optimisation
Oversee statutory and regulatory compliance, including audit, HMRC (CT, VAT, PAYE/NI), and Companies House filings
Drive effective working capital and cash flow management, monitoring receivables, supplier terms, and purchasing commitments
Lead and develop core support functions including HR (payroll, PAYE/NI) and IT (team of 2), ensuring systems and processes align with business strategy
Rapidly gain in-depth knowledge of the group’s operations, contracts, and supply chain to ensure robust controls and accurate financial representation

Role Requirements

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent)
Strong academic background with 5–7 years’ post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership roles, ideally within services/technology or PE-backed organisations
Proven ability to manage finance in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with hands-on involvement where required
Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and commercial analysis
Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board level
High level of computer literacy, with advanced Excel and reporting skills (experience with Sage Line50 advantageous)
Strategic mindset combined with a proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach