Full job descriptionHarper May is working with a media and events business that produces live conferences, festivals, and digital content at scale. The organisation is privately owned and has grown steadily over the past five years, operating across multiple geographies and revenue streams-sponsorship, ticketing, and content licensing. The business has recently secured new investment to accelerate market expansion and strengthen operational infrastructure. As the finance function becomes critical to managing this next phase of growth, the business is now recruiting a Finance Director to lead and build out capability.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will own the end-to-end finance function. This is a hands-on leadership position-you’ll manage the team, drive financial strategy, and partner closely with operations and commercial colleagues to shape how the business makes decisions. The role balances strategic oversight with direct involvement in budgets, forecasting, and event profitability analysis.
Key Responsibilities
*Develop and execute financial strategy aligned to the group’s growth objectives across live and digital channels
*Build and lead the finance team, establishing robust processes, systems, and reporting standards as the business scales
*Manage consolidated budgeting, reforecasting, and cash flow across events and content lines of business
*Work with operational teams to analyse event profitability, pricing, and cost efficiency in a fast-moving environment
*Lead statutory reporting, audit liaison, tax planning, and compliance with all regulatory obligations
*Provide clear financial insight to the Board and external stakeholders, identifying risks and commercial opportunities
What we are looking for
*ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with at least 10 years’ experience, including 3+ years in a senior finance leadership role
*Direct experience in media, entertainment, events, or other project-led, deadline-driven sectors
*Commercial acumen combined with the ability to challenge and influence at executive level
*Proven track record building and developing finance teams from scratch or at growth stage
*Strong Excel and financial modelling skills, comfortable working with accounting systems and data
*Collaborative communicator who thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments