Finance Director / Senior Finance Manager

Role Description:

The Finance Director / Senior Finance Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the organization, providing strategic financial guidance, and ensuring the financial health of the business. This position involves managing financial planning, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management activities. The Finance Director/Senior Finance Manager works closely with senior leadership to drive financial performance, improve business processes, and ensure that financial practices align with organizational goals. The role also involves managing a team of finance professionals, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving continuous improvements in financial management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Strategy & Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the company's financial strategy. Provide financial insights and recommendations to support key business decisions. Collaborate with senior leadership to align financial objectives with overall business goals.
• Financial Planning & Analysis: Oversee the preparation of accurate financial forecasts, budgets, and projections. Ensure alignment between business activities and financial planning to optimize the company's financial performance.
• Financial Reporting & Performance: Manage the preparation and presentation of regular financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and variance analyses. Present financial results and performance trends to senior executives, the board, and other stakeholders.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor adherence to budgetary guidelines. Analyze financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Risk Management: Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Ensure that the company complies with financial regulations and accounting standards. Oversee insurance coverage, tax planning, and internal controls to safeguard the company's assets.
• Cash Flow & Treasury Management: Monitor the company's cash flow and liquidity, ensuring that there is enough working capital to meet operational needs. Oversee cash management activities and optimize the use of financial resources.
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage and mentor the finance team, providing guidance on financial reporting, analysis, and budgeting processes. Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages professional growth and performance excellence.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and industry standards. Work closely with auditors, regulatory bodies, and tax advisors to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and compliance.
• Process Improvement & Automation: Identify and implement improvements in financial processes and systems. Introduce automation and best practices to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline financial operations.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a key liaison between the finance department and other business units. Collaborate with operations, sales, and other departments to support decision-making and business strategy.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Lead financial due diligence efforts for potential mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships. Provide financial analysis and modeling to support M&A strategies.
• Investor Relations (if applicable): Prepare presentations for investors, shareholders, and analysts. Communicate financial performance, forecasts, and key business developments to external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree (e.g., MBA, MSc in Finance) or professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CFA) is highly desirable.
• Experience: At least 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance, with a proven track record in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and team leadership. Previous experience in a senior finance role, such as Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or similar, is preferred.
• Financial Expertise: In-depth knowledge of financial principles, accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS), and financial reporting. Expertise in budgeting, financial modeling, and financial analysis.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management experience. Proven ability to motivate, develop, and lead a team of finance professionals to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term business planning. Experience in aligning financial strategies with business objectives and driving financial performance.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights. Ability to solve complex financial issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Experience in managing financial risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and establishing internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in financial management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills for financial analysis, reporting, and modeling. Familiarity with ERP systems and financial automation tools is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders and senior executives in a clear and understandable manner.
• Time Management & Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and handle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail when preparing financial reports, budgets, and analyses. Ability to spot discrepancies and take corrective action.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing business conditions, regulations, and market dynamics. Willingness to implement process improvements and embrace new technologies.