Finance Director Specification

The Finance Director (FD) is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for overseeing the financial health and strategic direction of an organization. This specification outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, and personal attributes expected of a successful FD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Strategy: Developing and implementing the company’s financial strategy, aligning it with the overall business objectives. This includes forecasting, budgeting, and long-range financial planning.
• Financial Reporting: Ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, in compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and regulatory requirements. This encompasses preparing financial statements, management reports, and statutory filings.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Leading the annual budgeting process and developing rolling forecasts to track performance against targets, identify potential risks, and opportunities, and make necessary adjustments.
• Financial Control: Establishing and maintaining strong internal controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity of financial information. This includes designing and implementing financial policies and procedures.
• Treasury Management: Managing cash flow, optimizing working capital, and overseeing banking relationships. This may also involve raising capital through debt or equity financing.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks, including currency risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk. Developing and implementing risk management strategies to protect the company’s financial position.
• Tax Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations. Overseeing the preparation and filing of tax returns and managing tax planning strategies.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Participating in M&A transactions, including due diligence, financial modeling, and integration planning.
• Team Leadership: Leading and developing the finance team, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance management. Fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the board of directors, investors, auditors, and lenders.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field is preferred.
• Professional Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in a relevant industry is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP, IFRS), financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Proficiency in using accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Excel is essential.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and develop long-term financial plans that support the company’s growth objectives.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, inspire, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends, analyze data, and make sound financial decisions.
• Integrity: High level of integrity and ethical standards, with a commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of financial information.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make sound and timely decisions, even under pressure.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.