Job Summary
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Reporting to the CFO, The Finance Director is a senior leader responsible for the overall financial management, strategy, and finance operations of CABI globally. This role involves leading the finance function to drive financial performance, manage risks, ensure compliance, and support strategic growth initiatives. The Finance Director will provide financial leadership and insight, ensuring that the organisation’s financial goals are met in collaboration with Senior managers and the executive.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. Strategic Financial Leadership : Support the CFO in developing and implementing CABI’s global financial strategy in line with corporate objectives. Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CFO and executive team to drive business growth and profitability. Support the financial planning and analysis process, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning in collaboration with the Global Finance Business Partner.
2. Financial Management : Oversee all aspects of the global finance function, including Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Pension and Financial Reporting. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of both Management Accounts as well as financial reporting in compliance with international accounting standards and regulations. Manage global financial risks, including currency, interest rate, and credit risks.
3. Operational Excellence : Optimise financial processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Implement and maintain strong internal controls and financial governance across all regions including policy development. Lead initiatives to enhance working capital management and cash flow optimisation.
4. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) : Lead financial due diligence, valuation, and integration efforts for mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Evaluate and model the financial impact of potential business transactions. Develop and execute post-merger integration plans to achieve financial and operational synergies.
5. Compliance & Risk Management : Ensure compliance with global financial regulations, tax laws, and corporate governance standards. Oversee the organisation’s risk management framework, including enterprise risk assessments and risk register updates. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate financial and operational risks in liaison with auditors (internal & external).
6. Team Leadership & Development : Build and lead a high-performing global finance team, providing mentorship and development opportunities. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the finance function. Ensure the finance team is aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives.
7. Stakeholder Engagement : Build and maintain strong relationships with banks, auditors, and regulatory authorities. Communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities to internal and external stakeholders. Serve as the primary liaison on all core finance matters.
ABOUT YOU:
Key Competencies
8. Strategic Orientation: Ability to develop and implement long-term financial strategies aligned with organisational goals.
9. Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on developing talent and driving high performance.
10. Deep understanding of International Accounting Standards, financial regulations and compliance requirements.
11. Strong risk management skills with the ability to uphold adequate controls without stifling creativity and growth in CABI.
12. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely.
13. Analytical Thinking: Advanced analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations.
14. Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and build strong relationships across the organization.
15. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and priorities, and to work effectively in a global, multicultural environment.
Experience and Qualifications
16. Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA) and an MBA.
17. Minimum of 12 years of experience in finance or accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior finance business partnering role.
18. Experience in leading and managing large, geographically dispersed finance teams.
19. Proficiency in financial software and systems, including advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems.
20. Proven experience in a global or matrix multinational organization, with strong relationship building skills.
In order to process any applications from nationals outside of the EU and UK, we would require documentation to show the applicant is currently resident and able to work in the in the UK, or is able to relocate on own means and possesses full authorisation from the UK Border Agency (for further information please use the following link http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/) Note – we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. We can provide an Exempt Vignette which will provide right to work; however, this is not sponsorship.
CABI reserves the right to review the applications as they come in on an ongoing basis and close applications once we have found a suitable candidate.
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