Fractional Group Finance Director

FD Recruit are again working exclusively with a prestigious service sector client in Burgess Hill, Sussex, who are seeking an experienced fractional Group Finance Director on an ongoing basis (paid directly by the client) to provide financial leadership across the Group. The successful candidate will combine strong financial control with practical commercial judgement, providing the CEO, SLT and Board with clear, timely information and advice to support better decisions.
A central requirement is to improve the quality and usefulness of management information across the business, with visibility from Group level down to region and branch. The postholder will also lead cashflow management and forecasting, advise on savings and restructuring, and contribute directly to strategic direction and major commercial decisions.

Specific roles and duties:

• Lead the Group finance function, while remaining sufficiently hands-on to understand the detail, ensuring accurate accounting, strong controls, effective month-end disciplines and reliable financial systems.
• Own monthly management accounts and Board reporting, including P&L, balance sheet, cashflow, KPIs, variance analysis, risks and forward outlook
• Lead the annual budget process and maintain rolling forecasts for profit, cash and balance sheet, including scenario and sensitivity analysis where required.
• Take primary responsibility for Group cash management and liquidity planning, including dependable short-term cash forecasting and clear reporting of pressure points and required actions.
• Work with the CEO and SLT to identify sustainable savings, efficiencies and restructuring opportunities, and track delivery against agreed financial outcomes.
• Provide financial analysis and challenge on pricing, investment, headcount, procurement, property, capital expenditure and other material commitments.
• Contribute fully to Group strategy and translate agreed priorities into measurable financial plans, forecasts and performance measures
• Provide consolidated oversight across the group businesses, ensuring transparent intercompany accounting and an appropriate understanding of the differing economics of funeral services and software/SaaS.
• Oversee statutory accounts, audit, tax, VAT, payroll-related finance obligations, banking, insurance and relationships with external advisers.

Skills & Experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
• Experience in a multi-entity, owner-led, family-owned, SME or mid-market environment; multi-site service experience is particularly relevant.
• Strong track record across management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, statutory reporting, audit and financial control.
• Demonstrable experience producing Board-level MI and translating financial performance into practical recommendations for non-financial leaders.
• Experience of cost reduction, restructuring, operational efficiency or business transformation.
• Commercially astute, calm and credible, with high integrity and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Clear communicator with strong systems and data capability, including advanced Excel skills.
• Exposure to software, SaaS or recurring-revenue businesses would be advantageous, as would experience of acquisitions, integrations or refinancing.

This is a fractional appointment of approximately three days per week. The role will be principally based at the Burgess Hill administrative office, with flexibility around the precise working pattern and location by agreement. Attendance at SLT and Board meetings is required, together with occasional visits to regional, branch locations where useful.

The salary banding advertised is a guideline, the remuneration offered will be commensurate upon experience