Shs Group Finance Director

The Group Finance Director (GFD) at SHS Group is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the financial health and strategic direction of the entire organization. SHS Group, a diversified business operating across various sectors like food and drink, household products, and drinks distribution, requires a GFD with a broad skillset encompassing financial management, strategic planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

A primary responsibility of the GFD is the accurate and timely reporting of financial performance. This includes the preparation and analysis of financial statements (profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements), ensuring compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS or US GAAP), and providing insightful commentary on business performance to the CEO, board of directors, and other senior management. The GFD also leads the annual budget process, working with individual business units to develop realistic and achievable financial targets, and subsequently monitoring performance against those budgets throughout the year.

Beyond reporting, the GFD plays a crucial role in strategic decision-making. They are expected to provide financial analysis and insights to support investment decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives. This involves conducting due diligence, building financial models, evaluating potential returns on investment, and assessing the financial risks associated with each opportunity. The GFD must possess strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex financial data into clear and actionable recommendations for the executive team.

Effective cash management is another key aspect of the GFD’s role. This includes optimizing working capital, managing banking relationships, and ensuring the Group has sufficient liquidity to meet its financial obligations. The GFD is also responsible for overseeing the treasury function, which may involve managing foreign exchange risk, raising debt financing, and investing surplus cash.

Furthermore, the GFD is responsible for maintaining a strong internal control environment to safeguard the Group’s assets and prevent fraud. This involves establishing and monitoring financial policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and overseeing the internal audit function. Given SHS Group’s diversified operations, the GFD must be adept at navigating a complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance across all business units.

In addition to technical expertise, the GFD requires strong leadership and communication skills. They are responsible for leading a large finance team, motivating and developing staff, and fostering a culture of excellence within the finance function. Effective communication is essential for conveying complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, influencing decision-making, and building strong relationships with investors, lenders, and other external parties. The GFD acts as a key advisor to the CEO and board, contributing to the overall strategic direction and success of SHS Group.