Financial Director

Finance DirectorLocation: Leeds

Salary Range: £90k–£100k

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Finance Director to lead the finance function within an established engineering business. This is a senior leadership role with full ownership of financial strategy, control, reporting and commercial decision-making.

Working closely with the Managing Director, Board and external stakeholders, the Finance Director will play a key role in supporting performance, growth initiatives and strategic transactions, including M&A and funding activity.

This role will suit a commercially focused Finance Director who is comfortable operating at Board level while remaining close to the numbers.

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of the finance function, including financial control, management accounts, statutory reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Lead Board-level reporting, providing clear commercial insight and analysis to support decision-making.
• Maintain robust financial controls, ensuring accuracy, compliance and audit readiness.
• Manage cash flow, working capital and funding arrangements.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning aligned to business strategy.
• Provide financial leadership on M&A activity, including due diligence, valuation support, integration planning and post-acquisition reporting.
• Act as a key finance partner to Private Equity investors, banks, lenders or Forex providers, managing reporting, covenants and stakeholder communication.
• Partner with operational leadership to improve cost visibility, margin control and profitability.
• Lead year-end processes and manage relationships with auditors, advisors, banks and other external partners.
• Develop and improve financial processes, systems and reporting frameworks to support growth.
• Provide financial input into strategic planning, investment decisions and performance improvement initiatives.
• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.

Experience & Background Required

• Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior Financial Controller operating at Board level.
• Strong hands-on background across financial control, reporting, audit, cash management and commercial finance.
• Demonstrable experience supporting M&A activity, including acquisitions, disposals or investment rounds.
• Experience working with Private Equity, banks, lenders or Forex providers, managing external reporting and funding relationships.
• Background in owner-managed businesses, SMEs or PE-backed environments.
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Track record of improving financial controls, reporting quality and strategic insight.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong technical accounting knowledge combined with commercial and strategic capability.