Chief Financial Officer
Location: South Wales, UK

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join a well-established manufacturing business with a global footprint. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CFO will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, overseeing financial and business operations while driving financial performance, growth, and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance with UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Oversee cash flow management, treasury, and bank relationships, ensuring financial stability.
• Provide financial oversight for international operations, including risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement robust financial procedures, internal controls, and IT systems.
• Support commercial teams with financial insights to drive business growth and assess investment opportunities.
• Lead tax strategy and compliance, including transfer pricing and international tax considerations.
• Manage all aspects of business operations, including IT, facilities, health & safety, and compliance.
• Drive operational efficiency, cost control, and working capital management to enhance profitability.
• Engage with stakeholders, including shareholders, auditors, and financial institutions, to support business strategy and funding initiatives.

Candidate Profile:

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a strong understanding of UK financial regulations (FRS 102, IFRS, UK GAAP).
• Minimum of 20 years of experience, including at least five years in a senior financial leadership role within a manufacturing business.
• Proven track record in financial planning, operational finance, and driving strategic change.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience in international financial operations, currency risk management, and tax compliance.
• Commercially astute with the ability to support growth, M&A, and funding initiatives.
• Familiarity with ESG reporting, R&D tax credits, and grant funding processes is desirable.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial and operational strategy of a dynamic, internationally focused organisation. If you are a commercially driven finance leader looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

About The Business

Ups and Downs Southwest is a brilliant, regional not for profit that supports families, professionals and all those involved in the care and education of children and young people who have Downs Syndrome. 

About The Role 

This is a part time, voluntary position.

The new Treasurer will have an overview of the charity's finances, and support decision making for the Director and Board of Trustees.

Day-to-day finance operations, such as payroll and invoice processing, are conducted by our part-time Finance Administrator. They are also responsible for preparing the annual accounts for the auditors with the supervision and support from the charity's Director and Treasurer. 

About Yourself

You will have a strong background in finance and be able to support the finance administrator and broader team in budget setting, monitoring, reporting and advising on the completion of the annual accounts.

Our board meets every 8 to 10 weeks online when you will provide an update on our finances. We'd also welcome you to occasional face-to-face meetings at our offices in Somerset or Bristol. It would be desirable if you could input into the charity's strategy and help us achieve our goals using your skills, knowledge, and experience in finance. 

What To Do?

Please contact either Giles or Jonny about this opportunity, or contact Joanna Thorn, Director at Ups and Downs Southwest, directly on 01278 691100.