Commercial Finance Director

Overview

The Commercial Finance Director is a senior leadership role reporting to the VP of Commercial Finance. This position acts as a key commercial partner to Business Unit Leaders and the Executive Management Team.

This role serves as the financial lead for a portfolio of P&L accounts, operating in a “CFO” capacity. Responsibilities include driving financial performance, providing decision support, and ensuring clear visibility of the financial and cash implications of business decisions.

A core expectation is translating complex financial and operational data into actionable insights. The Commercial Finance Director will use advanced analytical thinking and modern data tools (including advanced Excel, Power BI, and evolving AI-enabled analytics capabilities) to enhance forecasting, improve performance, and support strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership & Business Partnering

• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to Business Unit Leaders, providing challenge and insight to improve operational and financial performance.
• Develop and support strategic plans for the financial success and growth of assigned business units.
• Use strong commercial judgment, supported by data and analysis, to evaluate investments and operational decisions.
• Act as a thought partner to the CFO, COO, and Executive Leadership Team on financial and business strategy.

Advanced Analytics, Forecasting & Decision Support

• Lead the development of accurate and insightful financial forecasts in collaboration with operational teams.
• Use data analysis and financial modeling to identify trends, risks, and opportunities across client accounts.
• Support the creation and execution of profit improvement plans, using analytics to track performance and drive actions.
• Continuously enhance the use of analytical tools and techniques to improve the quality, speed, and impact of financial insights, including adoption of modern analytics platforms and AI-enabled approaches where appropriate.

Financial Planning, Reporting & Performance Management

• Own monthly internal management reporting across business units and client accounts, including:
  • Revenue and volume performance
  • Profitability and savings
  • Working capital and cash generation
  • KPIs, risks, opportunities, and trends
  • Variance analysis against plan and forecast
• Establish and maintain KPI frameworks to monitor and drive business performance.
• Deliver external financial reporting for clients and present performance insights in review meetings.

Commercial & Contractual Support

• Provide financial analysis to support the negotiation of contracts, renewals, and commercial terms.
• Partner with Legal and Commercial teams to ensure financial implications are clearly understood and reflected in agreements.
• Present financial performance and insights directly to clients, ensuring clarity and transparency.

Operational Excellence & Finance Transformation

• Establish and maintain an effective operating rhythm within the Finance function, implementing structured processes and disciplines.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting, forecasting, and financial processes through enhanced data usage and analytical rigor.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Finance team members, fostering strong analytical and commercial capabilities.
• Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial finance.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Advanced Excel and AI skillsets with strong data manipulation capabilities.
• Experience with Power BI or similar tools preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and use AI to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable business insights (aligned with the reporting and forecasting responsibilities defined in the role).

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Experience leading and developing teams with strong emotional intelligence.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with a proactive, resourceful mindset.
• High integrity, accountability, and ability to perform under pressure.
• Client-focused, collaborative, and commercially minded approach.
• Inquisitive, analytical, and willing to challenge constructively to drive business outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

Not specified.

Location

Not specified.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunities employer. A diverse working culture is supported, with consideration for candidates regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or disability. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.