Finance Director

£70,000 to £82,000 (based on experience)performance-based bonusshare options25 days annual leave + 3 additional days at ChristmasRole overviewWe’re looking for a high-calibre Finance Director to help lead one of our core sectors within Finance-as-a-Service (FaaS). This is a senior delivery and leadership role - responsible for both client success and commercial performance across a sector.You’ll work alongside a Sector CFO to drive performance, oversee finance teams, and own key client relationships. You’ll also play a pivotal role in monitoring and improving sector economics, including utilisation, recovery, and financial reporting. Natural progression opportunities through to a Fractional CFO role.This role combines client delivery, operational management, team development, and commercial insight — all within a tech-enabled, growth-focused environment that’s redefining what accountants can do.Core responsibilitiesLead the day-to-day operations of a full FaaS sector (15+ people), with shared accountability for delivery, financial performance, and client satisfactionAct as primary finance lead for a portfolio of clients, supported by Financial Controllers, Senior Accountants, and support the CFO on key strategic clientsProvide oversight, coaching, and quality assurance across the sector's financial controllers and pod teamsMonitor and improve sector performance metrics including utilisation, chargeable hours, recovery rates, and marginSupport capacity planning, resourcing decisions, and prioritisation of client workOwn and review technical outputs including management accounts, year-end accounts, and statutory returnsLead client onboarding and transformation projects where needed, ensuring smooth transitions and strong foundationsDrive operational improvements across systems, reporting workflows, and internal delivery standardsContribute to commercial insight and internal reporting for your sector (e.g. delivery dashboards, commentary on performance)Develop and support future leaders - mentoring FCs and helping shape a strong, capable delivery teamMust haveACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified (or equivalent)6+ years post-qualified experience, in a practice or outsourced environmentProven experience managing finance teams and leading client delivery at scaleStrong technical understanding across management accounts, consolidations, statutory accounts and taxExperience with UK GAAP, Companies Act requirements, and financial reporting frameworksCommercial awareness and experience working with utilisation, recovery, and margin metricsComfortable presenting financial information to internal and external stakeholdersTrack record of developing and mentoring team membersHighly organised, with strong judgement and ability to prioritise across a busy portfolioAmbition to progress to Fractional CFO and beyond within the businessNice to haveExperience leading a sector, pod, or multi-team structureFamiliarity with cloud accounting platforms (Xero)Experience in high-growth environments with a focus on automation or systems improvementPrior involvement in capacity planning, forecasting, or resource allocationStrong Excel or reporting/dashboarding skillsTeam structureReporting to: Sector CFOTeam: Leads a team of 15+, including qualified and part-qualified staffCollaborating with: Portfolio CFOs, FDs, transition & transformation team, compliance and tax functionsAbout AscendantAscendant is here to reboot what people expect from accountants.We combine smart systems, sharp thinking, and real relationships to help ambitious businesses move faster and make better decisions. Whether it’s compliance, R&D, or full finance-as-a-service, we deliver accounting and tax that’s strategic, scalable, and always on it.Built for founders. Powered by tech. Backed by humans.Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any form of visa sponsorship, so candidates must be an EU citizen or possess a current UK Tier 1 Visa and be eligible to take up full-time, permanent employment.EU candidates must also demonstrate they are eligible to take up UK employment post-Brexit.We build and run smart finance functions® for fast-growth and complex businesses.Our mission is to deliver relevant insight that enables better business decisions.From candidate to colleagueApplyfor a jobVideosnippetInterviewand assessmentFinal interviewsharing our visionOffer processand onboardingOur valuesCreators. Leaders. Self-starters. We’re an innovative fast-growth company that likes to challenge convention. We’re always thinking and looking ahead. Our people dream big and are driven to change the world.It's personalWe’re interested in our clients and each other. We take the time to get to know what makes their business tick. Yes, we deliver on business, data and finance challenges, but it’s always strategic, insightful and relevant.We’re true to ourselves, each other and we’re straight with our clients. So, if we think something is the right thing for our client’s business, we’ll say it even if it’s not what they want to hear.We don’t settle, we never stop developing. We’re always looking for a better way. We’re relentless when it comes to delivering the highest standards and getting the best outcome for clients. #J-18808-Ljbffr