Senior Finance Manager / Deputy CFO

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting for a dynamic organization seeking a native English-speaking strategic finance leader to serve as Senior Finance Manager / Deputy CFO. This role offers the opportunity to work directly with the Chief Financial Officer, deputizing in their absence and playing a key role in implementing strategic financial decisions across the company and its subsidiaries.

The Role

This position ensures that the Finance Department provides professional financial support services to the company, its senior managers, and subsidiaries in a timely, accurate, and relevant manner. The successful candidate will oversee all financial operations, maintain the integrity of financial systems, and provide robust financial appraisal and monitoring of business development and capital projects.

Scope of Responsibilities

The role encompasses duties for the company and all its subsidiaries, associated, and connected entities, requiring a strategic thinker who can also delve into operational detail as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded and processed in compliance with the internal control framework
• Prepare management accounts and annual financial statements to agreed timescales with appropriate reconciliations
• Produce comprehensive profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements
• Conduct comprehensive monthly balance sheet reconciliations for each item
• Produce draft financial accounts pack and related schedules for annual external audit
• Ensure integrity of the company’s financial systems, including all feeder systems

Strategic Support & Business Partnership

• Deputy for the Chief Financial Officer in their absence
• Work with CFO to implement strategic decisions
• Assist CFO in formulating strategic plans and annual budget setting process
• Support budget holders and heads of departments through monthly meetings to discuss performance and action plans
• Develop and report key business Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Identify areas of cost management and control

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, lead, and develop the finance team
• Manage and appraise all direct reports, identifying technical and development needs
• Foster a high-performance culture within the finance department
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities

Policy & Compliance

• Develop, review, and maintain financial policies and procedures
• Develop and maintain the Finance Manual
• Maintain framework of internal control and delegated authority
• Ensure compliance with all aspects of the Accounting Procedures Manual
• Excellent knowledge of IFRS; monitor and advise on changes in accounting standards
• Ensure all statutory and other returns are completed accurately within deadlines

Treasury & Cash Management

• Prepare weekly and monthly cash forecasts with emphasis on liquidity management
• Monitor cash flow and working capital requirements
• Manage banking relationships and treasury operations

Audit & Risk Management

• Manage the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors to completion
• Assist CFO in maintaining the corporate risk register
• Liaise with internal and external auditors ensuring compliance
• Complete external audit within agreed deadline

Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage and develop finance systems; evaluate and implement efficiencies
• Drive integration with other IT systems
• Implement process improvements and automation
• Ensure robust financial controls and procedures

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with all internal and external stakeholders including departmental heads, suppliers, customers, banks, and auditors
• Attend all relevant internal and external meetings as required and directed by CFO
• Provide financial guidance and support across the organization
• Build strong relationships with key business partners

Health, Safety & Environmental

• Comply with HSE Policies and develop safe working practices
• Prepare and maintain inspection reports within the department
• Ensure incidents are reported, recorded, and support investigations
• Contribute to continual improvement of HSE culture as a leader

Qualifications

Education & Professional Certification

• Degree in related discipline (Accounting, Finance, Economics)
• Professional qualification from a recognized CCAB accountancy body required:
  • ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
  • CA (Chartered Accountant)
  • CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
  • ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
  • Professional qualifications of equal standing from other countries will be considered

Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years’ work experience within similar profile
• At least 2-3 years’ industry experience
• Experience working at senior finance management level
• Proven track record in financial management and team leadership

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Technical Competencies

• Excellent analytical skills with strategic thinking ability
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with standard accounting packages and ERP systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of IFRS and changes in accounting standards
• Understanding of internal controls and audit processes
• Strong financial modeling and forecasting capabilities

Professional Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management, planning, and organization skills
• Team management and development expertise
• Results-oriented with a “can do” attitude
• Ability to work strategically and delve into detail as required
• Professional, personable presentation style
• Excellent customer service skills

Personal Attributes

• Reliable, efficient, and effective with high level of integrity
• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness
• Proactive problem-solver with attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information
• Collaborative team player with leadership qualities

Desirable Knowledge & Skills

• Project management skills
• Knowledge of business development activities
• Experience in treasury management
• Familiarity with corporate governance frameworks
• Multi-entity and subsidiary management experience

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside the CFO in a strategic capacity while having operational oversight of the entire finance function. You’ll be positioned to influence key business decisions, develop and lead a finance team, and play a crucial role in the organization’s financial success. This is an ideal position for an ambitious finance professional ready to step into a deputy CFO role with clear progression potential.