Finance Director, Haslingden, Lancashire

posted: 17th March 2026

Finance Director, East Lancashire, £90-100k bonus car
  
FD Recruit & AFR Consulting are partnering with a long-standing client in their search for an ambitious and commercially aware Finance Director looking to grow into a CFO role.

The Company
Operating in the importing and wholesale / distribution sector the business is consistently profitable and trades internationally, their investors are looking to increase sales by introducing new product lines and exploring new routes to market, leveraging relationships with existing supplier manufacturers and exploiting synergies within their other portfolio companies.
 
The opportunity
This position will suit an ambitious candidate with proven prior experience as a Finance Director and the desire to embark on an exciting journey as the business transitions under new ownership. The successful candidate will need to be technically strong, commercially savvy and comfortable playing a visible leadership role with influence. The principal requirement is to manage the finance department, liaising closely with the CEO, management team and investment board to explore strategic growth, drive profitability, minimise risk and ensure regulatory compliance. Longer term the position offers significant upside and earning potential with the successful candidate likely to move to the CFO role in the future.
 
Key duties

• Lead, mentor and support the Finance team, driving performance and development.
• Manage investor relations, including communication with shareholders and loan note holders.
• Oversee relationships with banking partners, external auditors and tax advisers.
• Review statutory accounts and prepare the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report.
• Manage cash flow and financial risk, including insurance, foreign exchange exposure and credit risk.
• Review and enhance management accounts, providing clear financial commentary and insights.
• Lead financial planning, including preparation of the annual integrated P&L, balance sheet and cash flow forecasts.
• Evaluate and advise on investment decisions, including licensing agreements and strategic contracts.
• Provide financial guidance on commercial decisions across the business.
• Prepare and review short- and medium-term cash flow forecasts.
• Prepare investor documentation and co-present at investor meetings alongside the CEO.
• Support the CEO on strategic initiatives while advising on operational and purchasing decisions.
• Act as the finance lead in the selection and implementation of a new ERP system. 

Required skills and qualifications

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong academic pedigree
• Previous experience as a Finance Director in a leadership role
• Strong technical ability, knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory reporting
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to liaise with stakeholders at all levels
• Knowledge of accounting software and business systems, stock management, purchasing etc.
• Experience of international sales & distribution preferred

 This is truly an exciting time to be joining this company as there is a real appetite for organic growth and potential acquisitions.  You will be joining an ambitious and experienced management team, working on site so applications will only be considered from potential candidates living within a commutable distance to East Lancashire