Finance Director - Focusrite Novation (Maternity Cover)

Based: High Wycombe office / hybrid
Term: Contract - Maternity Cover
Salary: c.£100000 pa + bonus and benefits
About the company: Focusrite plc is a global music and audio group that develops and markets music technology products. Used by audio professionals and amateur musicians alike, its solutions facilitate the high-quality production of recorded and live sound. Our audio technology brands stand together, seeking to enrich lives through music by removing barriers to creativity - ‘we make music easy to make'.
About the role: This is a maternity cover position which is to start in January 2026 and is expected to last until April 2027. For this role we require attendance at our head office in High Wycombe for 2-3 days per week. The Focusrite Finance Director will be responsible for the financial reporting and internal controls within the content creation related UK and APAC based entities. This includes the head office activities and global distribution for Focusrite content creation brands as well as the distribution activities of all content creation brands within EMEA. They will have strong relationships with all the key stakeholders and ensure that timely and accurate management reporting is available to key decision makers and that a well-controlled and efficient transaction processing for Accounts receivable and Accounts payable is in place. They will be a business partner for the content creation brands based in the UK and APAC, helping with commercial decision support. They will also be responsible for the financial reporting and internal controls of the distribution entity for the Group content creation. They will have responsibility for tax compliance within the relevant regions, working with the external tax accountants. This role will be reporting directly to the Group CFO with a dotted line to the Focusrite Managing Director and be part of the Focusrite leadership team and Global finance leadership team. They will manage a team of approx. 8 in the UK and 2 in Hong Kong.
Essential functions and major responsibilities:
Monthly management reporting delivered accurately and on time
Effective and efficient accounts receivable and payable processes
Responsible for the financial reporting and internal controls for 5 legal entities - 3 UK, 1 in Hong Kong and 1 in Australia
Oversight of statutory filings and tax compliance for the same entities
Business partnering for Focusrite brand product development and centrally managed departments
People management of UK and APAC Finance teams
Management Reporting:
Preparation of monthly financial reports for Focusrite Boards/Management teams
Submission of monthly results and commentary to Group Finance on a timely basis
Preparation of quarterly reforecasts
Preparation of annual budget and three year plan
Strong internal controls in place across record to report process
Finance Transaction Processing
Efficient Accounts receivable process, with clear KPIs monitored and easy to use for customers
Efficient Accounts payable process, with clear KPIs and supporting the Focusrite brand with suppliers
Effective and efficient intercompany transaction process in place across geographies and brands
Strong drive to process improvement to ensure processes are fit for purpose and can support the growth of the company
Finance transaction processing will cover the UK and APAC teams who will provide financial information across 5 entities (one of which includes a German branch).
Statutory and Tax compliance
Manage relationship with UK and APAC auditors ensuring timely resolution of queries and statutory accounts filings are accurate and on time
Oversee tax computations and filings, working with Group tax accountant, ensuring corporate and indirect taxes are in compliance with local regulations
Business Partnering
Work with Focusrite management teams to support commercial forecasts and budgets
Support with ad hoc investment projects and analysis,
Financial planning for long term strategic ambitions
Ensure there are robust return on investment metrics in place
NB Business partnering of the EMEA and APAC sales teams is not included in the scope of this role, although support of the underlying finance transactions is included
People Management
Manage UK team of approx. 8 and Hong Kong team of 2
Part of the UK Focusrite brand leadership team and part of the Global finance leadership team
About you:
Qualified Accountant
Preferably 7 years' post qualification experience
Self-starter able to manage a complex agenda, with good people management skills
Excellent organisational skills, with a track record of process improvement
Strong problem solving and analytical skills,
Effective communication and influencing skills, with an ability to build strong stakeholder relationships
Experience of working within ERP systems, preferably Oracle Netsuite
Experience of working in a multi-national listed company operating in a fast-paced environment
About Us
Focusrite plc is a global music and audio group that develops and markets music technology products. Used by audio professionals and amateur musicians alike, our solutions facilitate the high-quality production of recorded and live sound. Our audio technology brands stand together, seeking to enrich lives through music by removing barriers to creativity - ‘we make music easy to make'.
Benefits include flexible/hybrid working, company pension, life insurance, private healthcare, Health Cash Plan, enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay, employee purchase scheme, group bonus scheme, company music events, offsite company parties and free lunch in the canteen. We arrange company training sessions and encourage personal development.