The Finance Director at Brake Bros plays a pivotal role in steering the financial health and strategic direction of this leading foodservice provider. Brake Bros, as a major distributor of frozen, chilled, and ambient food products to restaurants, pubs, schools, and hospitals across the UK and beyond, relies heavily on the Finance Director to ensure financial stability, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth.
At a high level, the Finance Director is responsible for overseeing all financial operations. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including financial planning and analysis (FP&A), budgeting, forecasting, accounting, tax compliance, treasury management, and risk management. They are a key advisor to the CEO and the senior leadership team, providing insightful financial analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
One of the core responsibilities is developing and implementing robust financial controls and systems. This involves ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, adhering to accounting standards (like IFRS), and maintaining a strong internal control environment to mitigate financial risks. The Finance Director also oversees the annual audit process, working closely with external auditors to ensure compliance and transparency.
Beyond the day-to-day financial operations, the Finance Director plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s long-term financial strategy. This includes identifying opportunities for growth, evaluating potential investments, and managing the company’s capital structure. They are often involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), due diligence processes, and financing arrangements. In a dynamic market like foodservice, the Finance Director needs to be adept at adapting to changing economic conditions, market trends, and competitive pressures.
Effective leadership is also a key attribute. The Finance Director leads a team of finance professionals, including accountants, analysts, and controllers. They are responsible for developing talent within the finance function, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring that the team has the skills and resources needed to perform effectively. Strong communication skills are essential, as the Finance Director needs to be able to clearly articulate complex financial information to a variety of audiences, including the board of directors, investors, and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, given the evolving landscape of the foodservice industry, the Finance Director needs to be abreast of technological advancements and trends. This may involve implementing new accounting software, leveraging data analytics to improve financial forecasting, or exploring new financial technologies. Their strategic vision is crucial to positioning Brake Bros for continued success in a competitive and ever-changing market, ensuring financial prudence and driving value creation for the organization.