Finance Director

Owns the financial strategy and planning of the business. Acts as a trusted advisor to the board and CEO.

A Finance Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for shaping the financial direction of the business and ensuring the finance function supports long term growth.

In many SMEs, the FD also oversees HR, IT and commercial responsibilities, including contract negotiations and bids. The role is often broader than the traditional FD role seen in larger organisations.

What Does a Finance Director Do?

Financial Strategy & Monitoring

Developing and tracking the business’s overarching financial strategy.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow

Leading financial planning processes to ensure healthy cash flow and accurate forecasting.

Management Reporting

Producing or overseeing monthly management accounts and board reporting packs.

Commercial Insight & Decision Support

Providing data-led insight to guide strategic and operational decisions.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

Ensuring strong controls around regulatory compliance, risk, and corporate governance.

Tax, VAT & Audit Management

Overseeing tax, audit, compliance and corporate governance

Team Leadership

Managing and mentoring the internal finance team, driving professional development.

Cross-Functional Leadership

In SMEs, often responsible for HR, IT systems, and commercial bids or operational projects.

When Should You Hire a Finance Director?

An FD becomes essential when:

Strategic Guidance for Founders

The CEO or founder is making high-stakes decisions without enough financial insight.

Preparing for Investment

You’re planning a funding round or seeking external investment and need financial credibility.

Lack of Oversight in the Finance Function

You have a team in place, but no one providing strategic financial leadership or direction.

Rapid Growth Without Structure

The business is scaling quickly and needs structured planning, leadership, and control.

Turnover of £5 million to £10 million is a typical trigger point, but your needs may vary.

What Makes a Great Finance Director?

A strong FD combines technical skill with commercial thinking. They are good communicators and calm decision makers.

You should look for someone who:

Is qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Has experience in your sector or growth stage

Can build systems and teams from the ground up

Can lead and mentor a finance team

Is comfortable taking on HR, IT or commercial responsibility if needed

Understands both numbers and people

What’s the Difference Between a Finance Director and a CFO?

In a small or mid-sized business, there is often no real difference between a Finance Director and a CFO. The responsibilities are similar and the title choice is often a matter of branding or founder preference.

In larger or group businesses, however, the distinction becomes more defined. A CFO typically sits above Divisional Finance Directors and takes responsibility for strategic oversight, funding and investor management, while the divisional FD is more focused on reporting, controls and financial delivery within a specific part of the business.

Similar Roles

Finance Controller

Management Accountant

FP&A Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Unsure What Role You Really Need?

It’s not always clear whether you need an Assistant Accountant, a Financial Controller, a CFO or something in between.

That’s where our Finance Function Blueprint comes in.

We map out your finance team structure based on your goals, business size, and growth stage, so you can hire with clarity and confidence.

Not Sure Where to Start?

We offer a free Finance Team Diagnostic session to help you assess your current setup and work out what you really need next. It is a no-obligation, one-to-one session with one of our experienced finance directors.

Planning to hire?

At Artemis Clarke, we help ambitious businesses find roles who combine strategic insight with practical experience.

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