Financial Director

Nottingham | 4-Day Working Week | Hybrid & Flexible WorkingMinimum 2 days per week in the Nottingham officeSalary: Competitive, dependent on experienceWe are working with an innovative robotics engineering firm currently offering a 4-day working week and flexible working, situated at an exciting point in its commercial development.Following significant R&D and technology development, the business has secured its first major commercial orders and is now entering its next stage of growth.As part of this journey, they are looking for a hands-on Finance Director to strengthen the financial function and help shape the systems, reporting, forecasting and commercial planning needed to support future growth.This is an opportunity to have a real influence within a technically impressive, entrepreneurial business rather than simply stepping into an already established finance function.The RoleWorking closely with the leadership team, Board, investors, accountants and external advisers, you will take responsibility for developing the company's financial planning, reporting and controls.The business currently uses Xero primarily for transactional accounting, VAT and payroll and wants to develop this significantly, particularly around cash-flow planning, forecasting and management information.You'll help create the financial infrastructure and insight needed as the company moves from a predominantly R&D-focused environment into increasing commercial activity.Key responsibilities will include:Financial planning, forecasting and cash-flow managementDeveloping and optimising the company's use of XeroImproving financial controls, processes and data accuracyProducing clear and meaningful financial information for the Board and external investorsSupporting monthly Board reportingWorking closely with external accountants and bookkeepersSupporting the future introduction and use of FathomSupporting integration between finance and CRM systemsFinancial reporting relating to Innovate UK funded projectsSupporting R&D tax credit submissions and capital allowancesHelping bring appropriate areas of financial management further in-houseSupporting the valuation and management of company assets, including intellectual property and other intangible assetsProviding commercial and financial insight to the leadership team as the company continues to growAbout YouWe are looking for an experienced finance professional who enjoys being close to a business and can combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach.You'll ideally bring:Strong practical experience using XeroFinancial forecasting and cash-flow planning experienceStrong management and Board reporting skillsExperience working with senior leadership teams, Boards and/or investorsA commercial approach to finance and decision-makingExperience improving financial systems, controls and processesConfidence working within a growing and evolving organisationThe ability to work effectively with external accountants and professional advisersExperience with Fathom, R&D tax credits, capital allowances, CRM/finance integrations or intangible asset/IP valuation would be advantageous.Experience within an engineering, robotics, automation, technology or high-growth SME environment would also be particularly relevant.Working Pattern & FlexibilityThis is a full-time position operating across a 4-day working week, offering a high degree of flexibility.There is an expectation that you will spend a minimum of two days per week in the Nottingham office, with the remaining working pattern offering flexibility.The company's accountants and bookkeepers are based in Lichfield, so someone based around Nottingham or within the Nottingham/Lichfield corridor could work particularly well.Why Join?This is an opportunity to join an ambitious robotics engineering company at a particularly interesting stage in its journey.As the business moves from R&D into greater commercial activity, you'll have the opportunity to shape its finance function, improve the systems and information available to the leadership team and play an important role in supporting its next phase of growth.For someone who enjoys building, improving and influencing rather than simply maintaining established processes, this could be a fantastic opportunity.