Finance Director Interim NEW

Cedar is partnered with a PE-backed Consumer business to support the appointment of an Interim Finance Director. This role is based in Central London on a hybrid basis (2-3 days per week in the office) and is offered on a day-rate contract, paying £900 to £1,100 per day. The initial contract duration is 6 months.

The Company
A consumer business that has been recently acquired by a mid-market PE firm and is now entering a critical post-acquisition phase. With strong fundamentals and an established market presence, the immediate focus is on strengthening financial discipline, transparency, and control to support the PE owner’s value creation agenda.

You’ll join a well-capitalised, fast-paced environment with an engaged investor group and a leadership team committed to professionalising the finance function.

The Role
As Interim Finance Director, you’ll take ownership of the finance function within a recently acquired business, leading the implementation of a robust financial control environment and materially improving the quality, consistency, and reliability of financial reporting.

Key responsibilities include:
* Establishing and embedding a strong financial controls framework, ensuring appropriate policies, procedures, and governance are in place
* Owning the production of timely, accurate monthly management accounts and balance sheet reporting
* Reviewing and strengthening accounting processes, including reconciliations, close procedures, and documentation
* Ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and group reporting requirements
* Acting as the primary point of contact for Group Finance, external auditors, and advisors
* Leading and developing the local finance team, setting clear expectations and improving ways of working
* Supporting the integration of the business into Group reporting, systems, and controls post-acquisition
* Identifying and remediating financial risks, control gaps, and process inefficiencies
* Providing clear, credible financial insight to senior management and PE stakeholders as required

Your Profile
* Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
* Proven experience operating at Finance Director or Head of Finance level within investor-backed or recently acquired environments
* Strong background in financial reporting, balance sheet control, and financial governance
* Experience stepping into businesses post-acquisition to professionalise finance
* Confident working with auditors, investors, and senior stakeholders
* Hands-on, pragmatic approach with the gravitas to lead change
* Available at short notice or immediately

Compensation & Benefits
This Interim Finance Director role is offered at a rate of £900 to £1,100 per day. Based in Central London, it offers hybrid working (2-3 days per week) along with:
* A clear, well-defined mandate focused on controls and reporting uplift
* Direct exposure to PE stakeholders and senior leadership
* The opportunity to stabilise and strengthen a finance function following acquisition
* A fast-paced, decisive environment with genuine scope to make an impact