Interim Finance Director

A Derbyshire-based organisation is seeking an Interim Finance Director for a 9–12 month assignment. This is a key leadership opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional to lead the finance function, influence organisational performance, strengthen governance frameworks and develop high-performing teams. The role would suit an experienced leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can drive both operational and strategic impact.

Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, the Finance Director will lead the organisations finance function, overseeing financial strategy, planning and operations across multiple international jurisdictions. The successful candidate will bring experience from a Manufacturing, Engineering or Supply Chain environment and play a key role in driving financial performance, strengthening controls and delivering strategic financial insight to support business decision-making. This is a fully site-based position, requiring attendance 5 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s financial strategy and governance, overseeing finance operations and reporting across the UK & Europe
• Partner with the Executive Leadership Team and Board to provide financial insight, commercial analysis and strategic decision support.
• Lead and develop the finance function, building a high-performing team and strengthening financial processes and systems.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly group management accounts, board reporting and financial performance analysis.
• Maintain robust financial controls, governance frameworks and risk management processes to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning cycle, including forecasting and scenario modelling.
• Monitor business performance by analysing revenue streams, margins and cost structures to identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee international accounting and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Manage global tax compliance including VAT, Corporation Tax, transfer pricing and US State/Federal/Sales tax requirements.
• Direct cash flow strategy, working capital management and treasury activities to ensure financial stability.
• Lead relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, tax advisers, banks and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee the annual audit process and act as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and reporting capabilities.
• Contribute to wider organisational initiatives including expansion, investment planning and commercial strategy.

About You

Commercially minded finance leader with the credibility and strategic perspective to operate effectively at executive level. You are comfortable translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insight and building strong partnerships with senior stakeholders.

Combining technical expertise with strong leadership skills, you can develop teams, strengthen financial frameworks and position finance as a strategic partner to the business.

Key experience and attributes include:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in senior finance leadership roles such as Finance Director, Head of Finance or Financial Controller.
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, group consolidations and multi-entity environments.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership teams and board stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing finance teams.
• Excellent analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into strategic insight.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP / IFRS and international reporting standards.
• Experience managing tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience working with auditors, advisers and financial institutions.
• Advanced Excel capability and familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP and Exchequer.
• A track record of improving finance processes and reporting in growing organisations.
• Experience within fashion manufacturing, ecommerce or international trading would be advantageous but is not essential.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates