Finance Director | Independent Consultancy & Agency Group | Manchester

Finance Director | Independent Consultancy & Agency Group | Manchester

An entrepreneurial, independently owned consultancy and agency group is seeking a Finance Director to join its leadership team and help shape the next phase of growth.

Operating at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and client advisory services, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-impact work to an impressive portfolio of clients. With ambitious growth plans ahead, they are looking for a commercially astute finance leader who can provide both strategic direction and operational excellence.

This is a highly visible role, working directly with the founders and senior leadership team to influence decision-making, optimise performance, and ensure the business is well-positioned for future growth.

The Role

As Finance Director, you will be responsible for leading the financial agenda across the business while acting as a trusted adviser to the leadership team.

Beyond financial reporting and controls, you'll play a central role in helping the business understand performance drivers, improve operational efficiency, evaluate investment opportunities, and support long-term strategic planning.

You'll be equally comfortable presenting at board level, analysing commercial opportunities, and rolling up your sleeves to improve financial processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with founders and senior leaders to support strategic decision-making
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• Deliver meaningful financial and commercial insight across the business
• Monitor business performance, utilisation, revenue mix, and profitability
• Oversee cash management, working capital, and financial risk
• Develop financial models to support growth initiatives and investment decisions
• Build robust reporting frameworks and management information packs
• Improve financial processes, systems, and controls to support scalability
• Lead relationships with auditors, tax advisers, banks, and external stakeholders
• Manage and develop the finance function, fostering a high-performance culture
• Support business transformation, acquisitions, partnerships, or expansion projects where required

About You

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualified
• Proven track record in a senior finance leadership role
• Experience within consulting, advisory, agency, communications, professional services, or project-based businesses
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to challenge and influence stakeholders
• Experience partnering directly with founders, CEOs, or executive leadership teams
• Excellent financial planning, analysis, and business partnering skills
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment
• Naturally curious, proactive, and solutions-oriented

Salary: £100-125K + bonus

Location: Manchester City Centre / Hybrid (3 days WFH)

Apply below or drop me an email with your CV - [email protected]