Finance Director Ideal First-Time FD

Finance Director (Ideal First-Time FD Opportunity) / Warrington / Salary £75,000 - £85,000 plus benefits.

We are proud to be exclusively partnering with our client who are a very successful, privately owned and expanding organisation based in Warrington. The business operates across the UK and as they move into their next phase of growth, they are looking to appoint an exceptional candidate to lead their finance function.

This is a pivotal leadership role in a dynamic business - ideal for ambitious candidates who thrive in a fast-scaling environments and enjoys operating at both strategic and hands-on levels. They are now looking to appoint a Finance Director - this is an exceptional opportunity for either an experienced FD or an ambitious senior finance professional ready to step up into their first FD role.

The Role

The Finance Director will have full ownership of the finance function with influence at board level. Responsible for the company's financial systems, strategy, and statutory compliance. This will include overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management - with the opportunity to shape and modernise financial processes, systems, and MI.

You will be working in a supportive leadership team that values finance as a strategic partner - acting as a key advisor to the board on commercial strategy and growth. This is a hands-on leadership role but with clear exposure to growth projects, acquisitions and long-term strategic planning. A role with real autonomy, visibility and long-term progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Commercial Leadership: Support the leadership team in developing and delivering strategic financial plans. Providing insight, analysis, and commercially focused recommendations. You will play a key role in shaping future growth initiatives and business planning.
• Financial Reporting & Governance: Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, annual budgets, forecasts, and statutory accounts. Strengthen financial controls, policies, and governance across the organisation, ensuring full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor a small finance team, creating a culture of continuous improvement. Developing capability in reporting, controls, and MI as the team evolves.
• Cash & Risk Management: Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning. You will manage external relationships, including auditors and lenders. Manage banking relationships and ensure appropriate funding structures are in place.
• M&A & Investment Support: Assist with due diligence, modelling and integration relating to acquisitions or future investment opportunities. Support corporate projects and strategic financial initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
• Strong grounding in financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting and controls.
• Experience operating at senior finance level (Head of Finance, Senior Finance Manager, Financial Controller)
• Ideally with experience of managing banking relationships and working with external advisers.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at board level.
• Hands-on approach with the drive to build, improve and lead.
• Involvement in acquisitions, funding discussions, or investment activity, is desirable.

To discuss this fantastic opportunity please contact Lauren Harrison at Accountable Recruitment on