Interim Finance Director

Interim Finance Director Location: Gloucestershire (Hybrid) Contract: Interim (3-4 Months Initially) Opportunity: Strong Potential for Permanent Appointment The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Interim Finance Director to lead the finance function of a successful Gloucestershire-based business unit operating within a larger FTSE 250 group. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior finance professional who enjoys combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement. Reporting to the Managing Director of the business unit and working closely with Group Finance, the successful candidate will provide financial leadership, governance, commercial insight, and operational support to drive performance and growth. The role is initially offered on a 3-4 month interim basis, with a strong possibility of becoming a permanent appointment. Key Responsibilities Strategic & Commercial Leadership Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, supporting the Managing Director in delivering the unit's strategic objectives. Provide commercial analysis and challenge to improve profitability, cash flow, and business performance. Support business planning, investment decisions, and growth initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance. Serve as the financial lead on key projects and business initiatives. Financial Management & Reporting Lead all aspects of financial management for the business unit. Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, forecasts, budgets, and annual plans. Own cash flow forecasting and working capital management. Ensure robust balance sheet management and control. Provide insightful reporting and financial analysis to both local and Group leadership teams. Group Reporting & Governance Act as the primary interface between the business unit and Group Finance. Ensure all reporting requirements are delivered accurately and on time in accordance with Group deadlines. Support Group consolidation and statutory reporting processes. Ensure compliance with Group accounting policies, controls, and governance standards. Drive continuous improvement in financial controls, processes, and risk management. Support internal and external audit requirements. Leadership & Stakeholder Management Lead, develop, and mentor the local finance team. Build strong relationships with Group Finance, divisional leadership, auditors, banks, and external advisers. Partner with operational leaders to improve financial awareness and accountability across the business. Influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels to drive performance improvement. Change & Improvement Review existing systems, controls, and reporting processes, implementing improvements where required. Support integration of Group best practices and financial disciplines. Lead finance-related transformation projects where appropriate. Ensure the finance function is scalable and aligned with future business growth. Candidate Profile The successful candidate will: Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Have significant experience in a Finance Director, Head of Finance, or Financial Controller position. Demonstrate strong commercial and operational finance expertise. Be capable of operating both strategically and hands-on within a lean organisation. Possess excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Have experience working within complex corporate or group structures. Be comfortable managing competing priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced environment. Be available to start at short notice. Highly Desirable Experience working within a FTSE-listed, PLC, or large multi-site/group environment. Experience managing the finance function of a subsidiary, division, or standalone business unit within a larger organisation. Strong exposure to group reporting, consolidations, governance, and corporate controls. Experience introducing best practice processes from larger organisations into entrepreneurial or smaller operating businesses. Previous interim leadership assignments and change management experience. ERP implementation or finance transformation experience. What's on Offer Immediate opportunity to influence and shape business performance. High-profile role within a respected FTSE 250 organisation. Significant exposure to both local leadership and Group executives. Competitive interim remuneration. Strong potential to transition into a permanent Finance Director position. Hybrid working arrangement based in Gloucestershire.