Finance Director

Finance Director Retail & Trade North London 150,000 to 180,000 + Benefits

Zachary Daniels Finance is partnering with a successful, privately owned retail and trade business to recruit a Finance Director into its senior leadership team.

This is an established, multi-site business with a strong market position, growing e-commerce operations and ambitious plans for the future. The company is investing in its people, systems and leadership capability, creating an opportunity for an experienced Finance Director to play a central role in its next stage of development.

With an entrepreneurial culture, direct access to the owners and the ability to make decisions quickly, this is an environment where a commercially minded finance leader can make a genuine difference.

The Opportunity

This is a planned succession appointment, offering a structured handover with the outgoing Finance Director.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the finance function and work closely with the owners and senior leadership team to improve financial performance, strengthen commercial decision-making and support future growth.

The business is looking for someone who can do more than report the numbers. You will be expected to challenge thinking, identify opportunities and help modernise the finance function through better systems, live data, automation and AI.

The Role

• Lead, develop and strengthen the finance team, establishing clear accountability and high standards.
• Partner with the COO and owners, providing commercial insight and strategic financial advice.
• Oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial controls.
• Improve working capital, stock management, supplier rebates and credit control.
• Work with commercial and operational teams to strengthen margins, pricing and profitability.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and support future business growth.
• Modernise finance systems, reporting and processes, reducing manual activity.
• Champion the use of data, business intelligence, automation and AI to improve decision-making.

About You

We are looking for a commercially astute Finance Director with strong leadership skills, sound financial judgement and the ambition to help take an established business forward.

You will bring:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Proven senior finance leadership experience, including developing and managing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing cash flow, working capital, financial reporting and controls.
• A track record of improving finance systems, processes and management information.
• Experience within retail, wholesale, distribution or another operationally complex business would be advantageous.
• An interest in technology, data and AI, with the ability to drive practical improvements.
• A hands-on, collaborative leadership style, with high standards and a genuine commitment to developing people.

Direct sector experience is not essential. We welcome candidates who can bring fresh thinking and transferable commercial expertise.

Salary & Benefits

• 150,000 to 180,000 base salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare.
• Significant influence over business strategy and financial performance.
• Opportunity to modernise and develop the finance function.
• North London head office location.

Interested?

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Finance Director who wants to influence strategy, develop people and make a lasting commercial impact.

Apply today to find out more or contact Winston Johnson at Zachary Daniels Finance for a confidential conversation.

About Zachary Daniels

Zachary Daniels is a specialist UK and International recruitment consultancy, partnering with retail, consumer and brands businesses across a wide range of disciplines, including Finance & Accountancy, Buying, Merchandising & Ecommerce, Design, Technical, Wholesale & Production, HR & Talent, Health & Safety & Compliance, Marketing, Digital & Technology, Property & Centre Management, Retail Operations and Executive Search.

Zachary Daniels is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process for everyone.

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