Finance Director

Location: Polton

FD Recruit is partnering with an entrepreneurial, privately owned construction sector group to appoint a Finance Director. Established for almost two decades, the group has built an excellent reputation for a premium service and continues to grow, with a clear plan to fund further growth and acquisitions.
This role would suit a CFO or Director of Finance with the experience and capability to lead finance across a group of companies operating independently, acting as a trusted advisor to the owners. The role will start hands-on, focused on the largest business in the group. There is also a need for the FD to be a strategic partner, supporting the owners on growth, new businesses and debt-funded acquisitions, and acting as FD for any businesses added to the group.
Key responsibilities
Lead the annual budgeting process for every business in the group, working with stakeholders to build budgets they own and are accountable for delivering
Use approved budgets as the basis for all management accounts, including monthly budget vs actual reporting, variance analysis and forecasting
Hold regular performance reviews with each business's stakeholders, identifying variances, challenging constructively and agreeing corrective actions
Produce detailed reporting for each business and present to the owners, highlighting performance against budget
Provide full financial leadership of the largest business, including management accounts, cash flow, forecasting and reporting to the owners
Oversee the Finance Managers in each business, ensuring reporting is consistent, accurate and on time
Own the banking relationship, including facilities, reporting requirements and covenant compliance
Manage the group's bonding arrangements and maintain strong relationships with bond providers
Develop and deliver a funding strategy to support growth, including raising and managing debt for acquisitions
Support the owners in identifying and evaluating acquisitions, including financial modelling, due diligence, deal structuring and post-acquisition integration
Act as FD for any new businesses brought into the group
Act as a trusted adviser to the owners, giving clear, honest financial insight on key decisions
Build and manage strong relationships with external partners, including the bank, bond providers, accounting partner, auditors and tax advisers
Represent the group professionally with lenders, investors and parties involved in acquisitions or new ventures

Experience and skills required
Qualified accountant (ICAS, ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with FD or senior finance experience in an SME or multi-entity group
Experience running a structured annual budgeting process across multiple businesses or divisions
Proven experience managing banking relationships, debt facilities and covenants

Experience with bonding facilities, ideally within construction, M&E or contracting
A track record of acquisitions, including raising acquisition finance and integrating businesses
Experience working closely with business owners, ideally in a privately owned business
Sector experience in construction, M&E or related sectors is an advantage
Hands-on and practical, but able to think strategically
Able to engage non-finance managers in budgeting and hold them accountable, while keeping good working relationships
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively
Able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance people
Trustworthy, discreet and personable: someone the owners will see as a long-term partner in the business
The salary advertised for this role is a guideline and the salary offered will be commensurate with experience.