We're an employee owned online training provider with a clear purpose: keeping people safe. Offering over 180 courses in a wide range of subjects, we have certified over 4 million learners to date.
We take our core values very seriously and we're proud to be recognised as having ‘world class’ levels of engagement by Best Companies. We are passionate about leaving things better than we found them and being a true force for good. We understand the importance of giving back to our local communities and promote practices that support each other, our learners and our environment.
Being employee owned, our people are at the heart of our business and we offer a great environment where we have fun, celebrate success and give you the tools you’ll need for a rewarding career.
Our competitive benefits package includes:
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£90,000 - £110,000 (depending on experience)
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A home office allowance for all new starters
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An annual working from home allowance
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26 days holiday with the option to buy extra days
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Profit sharing scheme
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Pension (4% employee, 6% employer contributions)
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Professional development budget of £250 p/a and dedicated one day a month PD time
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Access to Reward Gateway - high street, travel, leisure discounts and our EAP
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After 6 months: Latest mobile phone & contract (or sim only), Life Assurance (4 x basic salary), optional private medical cover (you & family), Company car scheme (electric car lease), General Health cash plan, Dental cash plan, discounted gym membership
We are fully committed to supporting our teams to work in a way that lets them be at their best, whether that’s on-site in Ilkley or remotely anywhere in the UK.
We care about our people and support each other so we can bring our whole selves to work each day. We are inclusive, value diversity and celebrate our individuality. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sex or sexual orientation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, so please let us know if you require any adjustments that we can accommodate as part of our application process.
Please review our Candidate Privacy Policy here: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/candidate-privacy-notice/
About the role
The Finance Director is a member of the Board and a statutory director of the company, responsible for leading the finance function and developing financial plans and targets that both reflect and inform the company's strategy. The role provides financial leadership and operational oversight across the business, with financial insight and analysis to support commercial and strategic decision-making. Working closely with the CEO and fellow directors, the Finance Director ensures the company’s financial health is managed effectively, in line with its obligations and values as an Employee-Owned Trust.
What you'll do
Strategic Leadership
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Contribute to developing and implementing the company strategy, providing financial analysis and guidance on relevant activities, setting financial objectives and monitoring and reporting performance against these.
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Translate company strategy into financial plans, targets, and budgets, and monitor and report on performance against them.
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Own the budgeting and forecasting functions by developing and maintaining appropriate methodologies that reflect the commercial model and strategic direction of the business, and that provide reliable baselines and forward visibility to the Board and CEO.
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Ensure a strong financial control environment, establishing and maintaining financial policies and procedures to secure the company’s financial stability and support sustainable growth.
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Uphold and advance our company's purpose and values through making decisions that are commercially sound and consistent with our responsibilities to people and planet
Financial Operations
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Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, tax, financial planning and analysis, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with business objectives.
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Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the CEO, the board, the Trustees, and relevant stakeholders.
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Monitor and manage the company’s cash flow, liquidity and working capital to ensure sufficient funds are available for operational needs and investments.
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Oversee the financial risk and control framework across the business, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated in line with the company’s risk appetite and governance requirements.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
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Work with the Board to identify opportunities to improve revenue growth, profitability and operational efficiency.
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Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements across the business.
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Lead digital transformation across finance to ensure technologies are up to date, secure, and support accurate reporting and decision making.
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Monitor financial performance against expectations and external benchmarks, presenting findings clearly to relevant stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement
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Build effective relationships with key internal stakeholders, including the CEO, Board directors, Trustees, colleagues, external advisors, and suppliers.
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As a director of an employee-owned business, play an active role in communicating financial performance and plans across the organisation, translating complex data and financial information into a clear, accessible, and meaningful narrative for all audiences.
About you
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A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience at Finance Director level.
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A highly commercial mindset with experience in translating strategic objectives into financial plans and contributing meaningfully to growth decisions.
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Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to align financial activity with broader business goals, while remaining hands-on and delivery-focused.
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Demonstrable experience building and owning forecasting methodology in line with a commercial or strategic model.
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Able to work with data to build statistics-based models.
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Significant experience in leading, coaching and developing finance teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
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Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels of the organisation.
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Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
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Experience within a scaling business where the finance function is still maturing.
Desirable (not essential)
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Experience as a statutory director, with an understanding of the associated legal and governance obligations.
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Experience in a technology or digital business environment, including working with or evaluating AI tools as part of operational or analytical workflows.
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Working knowledge of risk management, legal, or compliance functions.
