Location: Hertfordshire (On-site with flexible hybrid options)
Contract: Fractional 2 - 3 days per week
About Us
We are a fast-growing pharmaceutical wholesaler based in Hertfordshire, supplying licensed medicines and healthcare products to UK and international markets. Operating within a highly regulated environment, we are entering an important phase of organisational and financial transformation. To support this next stage of growth, we are seeking an experienced Finance Director who can lead both day-to-day financial operations and a significant programme of financial and operational transformation.
Role Overview
This is a strategic leadership role requiring an FD who excels in change management, system and process optimisation, and building strong financial foundations in a regulated, fast-paced wholesale environment. The successful candidate will take ownership of improving financial controls, cash flow visibility, reporting quality, and operational efficiency—while supporting sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Transformation & Process Improvement
- Lead a company-wide financial transformation programme, improving processes, controls, and visibility.
- Redesign and implement financial systems, workflows, and reporting structures to enable scalability.
- Introduce automated tools and modern financial technologies to reduce manual processing.
- Strengthen audit trails, documentation, and control frameworks aligned with GDP and MHRA expectations.
- Develop clear KPIs, dashboards, and real-time reporting to support better decision-making.
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Shape and execute the organisation’s financial strategy in line with growth and efficiency goals.
- Provide commercial insight to the board and challenge assumptions with data-driven analysis.
- Drive scenario planning, risk assessment, and long-term financial modelling.
Cash Flow & Working Capital Optimisation
- Lead transformation of cash flow forecasting, monitoring, and reporting.
- Improve working capital management, specifically in inventory-heavy operations.
- Optimise supplier terms, purchasing cycles, and rebate structures to stabilise liquidity.
- Implement proactive credit control processes and reduce aged receivables exposure.
Financial Control & Reporting
- Ensure accurate, timely management accounts and statutory reporting.
- Build a robust month-end process, including margin, variance, and product profitability analysis.
- Strengthen stock valuation methodologies and inventory accounting.
- Oversee external audits and ensure full compliance with regulatory and tax requirements.
Regulatory & Compliance Alignment
- Ensure finance processes meet MHRA and GDP compliance requirements.
- Work closely with quality, regulatory, and operations teams to ensure alignment during audits or inspections.
Commercial & Operational Partnership
- Support procurement and purchasing strategies through clear financial insight.
- Analyse pricing, product lines, rebate agreements, and supply chain cost drivers.
- Assess commercial opportunities including new product ranges, market expansion, or acquisitions.
Team Leadership & Organisational Development
- Transform the finance team into a high-performing, proactive function.
- Mentor and upskill staff to work with improved processes, systems, and controls.
- Foster a culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Experience & Skills Required
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in pharmaceuticals, healthcare distribution, FMCG, or regulated wholesale.
- Proven track record of leading financial transformation, including systems, processes, and reporting improvements.
- Strong understanding of cash flow management and working capital in a stock-intensive business.
- Ability to work hands-on while also operating strategically at board level.
- Excellent communicator capable of leading change and influencing across departments.
- Experience implementing modern finance technologies (ERP improvements, automation, dashboards).
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead a high-impact transformation programme within a growing organisation.
- A pivotal role shaping the financial and operational future of the business.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A collaborative environment committed to modernisation and continuous improvement.
Adrian Lawrence FCA with over 25 years of experience as a finance leader and a Chartered Accountant, BSc graduate from Queen Mary College, University of London.
I help my clients achieve their growth and success goals by delivering value and results in areas such as Financial Modelling, Finance Raising, M&A, Due Diligence, cash flow management, and reporting. I am passionate about supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs with reliable and professional Chief Financial Officer or Finance Director services.
