Full job descriptionHarper May is working with a London-based media and events business backed by independent ownership. The organisation produces conferences, festivals, and branded content across B2B and consumer sectors, with a track record of consistent revenue growth and geographic expansion. Recent contract wins and new format launches have increased operational complexity, and the finance function now needs stronger strategic leadership to support decision-making and cash management across multiple concurrent events and revenue lines. The business is now seeking a Finance Director to lead the team and establish finance as a core pillar of business strategy.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director will oversee all financial planning, reporting, and controls. You will work directly with operational and commercial leads on event margins, sponsorship yields, and cost discipline, while building a lean, capable finance team. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic partnership with day-to-day financial ownership.
*Develop and own financial strategy aligned to growth across events, partnerships, and digital channels
*Manage budgeting, reforecasting, and cash flow across an event calendar with varying cycles and payment terms
*Lead financial analysis on event profitability, sponsorship pricing, and operational cost drivers
*Build and mentor a small finance team, establishing clear processes and accountability
*Own statutory accounts, tax planning, audit liaison, and compliance with accounting standards
*Produce monthly management accounts and board reporting with clear insight and variance analysis
*Ensure robust controls, segregation of duties, and scalable systems as the business scales
What we are looking for
*ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with at least 8 years’ post-qualification experience
*Proven Finance Director or senior finance leadership role in media, publishing, events, or similar fast-moving commercial businesses
*Strong commercial instinct paired with the ability to challenge assumptions and improve margins
*Comfortable with hands-on spreadsheet modelling and practical problem-solving under tight deadlines
*Clear communicator at Board level, able to translate complex finance into actionable insight
*Experience managing and developing small finance teams in growing organisations