Finance Director

My client owns and runs this highly successful pharmaceutical company with a proud tradition stretching back over 30 years. The company supplies medicinal products to hospitals, clinics and government organisations around the world and is based on the North London/ Hertfordshire 'border'. They have offices and facilities in South America, the Caribbean, the USA and India. The Directors now wish to appoint an FD who will work with them to develop the commercial finance strategy that will see the business through to the next stage in its development.

The FD will be a key member of the leadership team of this multinational company which has five subsidiary companies. S/he will oversee the international finance team and be the chief financial spokesperson for the organisation. S/he will be responsible for maximising shareholder value through actively appraising and challenging commercial and operational decisions, giving input into the allocation of capital for investment, maintaining the internal control environment of the business and managing cash to enable the business strategy to be funded. S/he will report to the CEO and will work closely with him and with the directors and management in order to achieve the strategic corporate objectives of the business, by providing the necessary financial input into the strategy and the practical day to day financial operations. The FD will be based at the company headquarters in North London and can expect to undertake occasional international travel to the Americas and the Caribbean.

This is a highly commercial role and you will be responsible for leading continuous improvement and driving efficiencies to ensure the ongoing profitability of the business whilst developing effective relationships across the company in order to facilitate the provision to the Board and management of timely, accurate and appropriate financial and management information and analysis. The FD will be responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships with the full spectrum of third party professional advisers on behalf of the company and will work with them to grow and develop this business. There will be a significant M&A dimension to the role which therefore concerned both with strategic financial matters and the running of an effective, finance and accounting function.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Accountable for the financial and risk management operations of the business including liabilities and investments
• Responsible for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities including the development of financial and operational strategies for the business
• Direct responsibility for accounting, finance, forecasting, financial analysis, investment strategies and cashflow management
• The FD will devise and oversee the international IT strategy whilst maintaining and updating as necessary in compliance working practices.

• Monitor and direct strategic business plans and support tactical initiatives
• Develop financial and tax strategies
• Drive financial and operational best practices
• Implement merger and acquisition due diligence and negotiations
• Provide strategic recommendations to enhance financial performance and new business opportunities, and manage banking and vendor relations, as well as fostering and cultivating stakeholder relationships
• Work with leadership team to formulate and document strategic plans 
• Ensure effective internal controls are in place and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory legislation for financial and tax reporting. Substantiate documentation, which is approved and available such that all purchases may pass independent and governmental audits
• Participate in developing new business, by assisting the CEO in identifying new and appropriate funding opportunities

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), ideally with experience of a lead finance role in the pharmaceutical or a related sector. You will be confident in your ability to drive a business from the front and will be able to bring people with you. You will have a real understanding of the role of finance in supporting the growth and development of an entrepreneurial business and you will also have a ‘city' network that will enable you to provide the business with strategic financial advice as it grows and develops. This is an exciting and commercial role with a significant upside and so you will be expected to make a difference.