Head of Finance / Finance Director Designate

 

Job Title HoF / Finance Director Designate

Reports To Board

Direct Reports FP&A Analyst Management Accountant Functional oversight of: Assistant Accountant Payroll Clerk Sales Ledger Clerk Purchase Ledger Clerk

Purpose of the Role To provide strategic financial leadership and direction for the business, ensuring strong financial performance, effective governance and sustainable growth The Finance Director will partner with the Managing Director, Senior Management Team and operational leaders to deliver robust financial control, insightful reporting, commercial analysis and effective treasury management across the dairy production, distribution and farming operations. The role is accountable for the financial stewardship of the business, including planning, forecasting, funding, risk management, statutory compliance, audit and tax, while leading and developing a capable and resilient finance function.

Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering Work with the Managing Director and Senior Management Team to provide financial leadership, planning and strategic direction across all areas of the business. Develop and implement the Company's financial strategy in support of business objectives and sustainable growth. Act as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and Board, providing insight to support operational and strategic decision-making. Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning processes. Support growth initiatives, investment decisions, acquisitions and capital expenditure proposals. Partner with operational and commercial teams to improve profitability, efficiency and business performance.

Support pricing decisions through analysis of costs, margins, profitability and key performance indicators.

2. Financial Reporting & Performance Management Ensure the timely production, review and presentation of monthly management accounts, forecasts and KPI reporting. Provide clear analysis of performance against budget, forecast and prior year. Ensure accurate reporting of profitability, balance sheet performance, cashflow and departmental results. Monitor profitability by product, customer, route and business activity. Oversee the preparation of annual statutory accounts and year-end reporting. Ensure management information supports effective commercial and operational decision-making.

3. Financial Control, Governance & Risk Management Maintain robust financial controls, policies, procedures and authorisation frameworks across the business. Ensure effective governance, risk management and internal control processes. Maintain oversight of working capital, inventory valuation, fixed assets, payroll controls, tax compliance and balance sheet integrity. Review significant accounting judgements and balance sheet reconciliations. Drive continuous improvement in financial controls, processes and systems. Ensure financial considerations are embedded within operational and strategic decision-making.

4. Treasury, Cashflow & Funding Maintain oversight of treasury management, liquidity and working capital. Review and approve cashflow forecasts and monitor funding requirements. Authorise payment runs and significant expenditure in accordance with delegated authority limits. Manage relationships with banks, insurers and finance providers. Monitor borrowing facilities, covenant compliance and treasury risk. Arrange and approve hire purchase, leasing and other funding facilities as required. Oversee foreign exchange exposure and related financial risks where applicable.

5. Commercial Analysis & Business Improvement Oversee financial planning and analysis activities, ensuring robust forecasting, modelling and scenario planning. Identify financial risks, trends, opportunities and operational improvement initiatives.

Drive improvements in costing methodologies, profitability analysis and management reporting. Ensure ERP, reporting and financial systems support efficient operations and informed decision-making. Lead finance-related process improvement and automation initiatives. Support business improvement projects and investment appraisals.

6. Statutory Compliance, Tax & Audit Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax and regulatory obligations. Oversee VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, pension and other regulatory submissions. Ensure compliance with accounting standards, company law and relevant legislation. Lead the annual external audit process and coordinate all audit requirements. Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisers, legal advisers and regulatory bodies. Ensure audit recommendations and compliance actions are implemented appropriately.

7. Leadership & Team Development Lead, develop and mentor the finance team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture. Support recruitment, succession planning and professional development across the finance function. Promote accountability, continuous improvement and strong financial discipline. Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, resilience and capability within the finance team. Provide technical guidance and support to finance team members.

8. Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Present financial performance, risks and opportunities clearly to the Board and Senior Management Team. Translate complex financial information into practical commercial recommendations. Support operational managers in understanding financial performance and key business drivers. Attend Senior Management Team, Board and Quality Management meetings. Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required by the Managing Director and Board.

Key Measures of Success Timely and accurate monthly management reporting. Achievement of budgeted profitability and cashflow targets. Strong balance sheet control and working capital management. Effective treasury and funding management. Successful completion of annual audit with minimal adjustments. Compliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations. Delivery of actionable financial insight that improves business performance. Development and retention of a high-performing finance team.