ABOUT ME

I am a CIMA qualified finance professional with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience, much of it spent working closely with business owners and leadership teams within entrepreneurial and privately owned organisations.

My career has given me the opportunity to experience the complete journey of a business, from growth and investment through to challenging economic periods and significant organisational change. As a result, I have developed a very commercial and pragmatic approach to finance. I understand the importance of strong controls and accurate financial information, but I also recognise that successful finance leadership is about understanding the business, its people, its customers and the wider environment in which it operates.

I am comfortable contributing at board level while remaining close enough to the day-to-day operation to understand what is really happening. I enjoy being part of the decision-making process and helping a business find practical ways to achieve its ambitions.

LOOKING FOR

I am looking for a Finance Director, Head of Finance or senior financial leadership opportunity across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire or Buckinghamshire.

Based in Wellingborough, I am currently employed and available on a two month notice period. I am particularly interested in joining an ambitious organisation where my experience can be used to support its next stage of development, whether that involves growth, improving profitability, strengthening financial control or navigating change.

I am not looking simply for a role that reports the numbers. I want to be part of the wider business, working alongside the leadership team and contributing to commercial and strategic decisions.

My salary expectation is circa £90,000 per annum, depending on the scope and responsibilities of the position.

IMPORTANT TO ME

I value businesses where people communicate openly, take responsibility and work together towards a common objective.

Having spent many years working alongside owners, directors and operational teams, I believe finance should provide both support and appropriate challenge. Sometimes that means asking difficult questions, but it should always be done with a clear understanding of what the business is trying to achieve.

Long-term sustainability is also important to me. I enjoy helping organisations grow, but I believe that growth needs to be supported by strong cash management, appropriate controls and sound commercial decision-making.

INTERESTS

I am particularly interested in the commercial side of running and developing a business. I enjoy understanding what drives profitability, where opportunities exist and how financial decisions can support sustainable growth.

Business change and problem solving are also areas I find rewarding. Having experienced acquisitions, management buyouts, international expansion, diversification and challenging economic periods, I enjoy situations where there is something meaningful to work through rather than simply maintaining the status quo.

I also have a genuine interest in developing people and building effective teams. Creating an environment where individuals understand their contribution and have the confidence to take ownership is something I see as an important part of finance leadership.

SKILLS AND WORKING PREFERENCES

As a CIMA qualified finance professional, I bring extensive experience across financial strategy, business planning, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and treasury management, governance and commercial decision-making.

My background includes supporting business growth, securing and managing funding, management buyouts, restructuring, international operations and navigating difficult trading conditions. This has given me a practical understanding of both opportunity and risk and the importance of recognising when a business needs to adapt.

I am experienced in developing financial controls, overseeing statutory and internal audit requirements and providing clear financial information to boards and senior management.

I enjoy leading and developing finance teams, but I remain hands on where required. My preference is to be visible within the business, working with colleagues across different functions rather than operating solely from within finance.

WHY THIS CANDIDATE STANDS OUT

David brings a depth of experience that comes from spending many years involved in running and developing businesses, rather than viewing them solely through a finance lens.

His career includes significant experience of business growth, management buyouts, funding, cash management, governance, international operations, restructuring and business transformation. He has helped organisations take advantage of opportunities while also guiding them through periods where difficult commercial decisions have been necessary.

More recently, David has continued to demonstrate his ability to quickly understand an organisation, review its finance function and identify opportunities to strengthen controls, systems and revenue management.

His combination of commercial awareness, financial leadership and practical business experience would particularly suit an owner-managed, entrepreneurial or growing organisation looking for a Finance Director or Head of Finance who wants to be actively involved in the business.

For organisations seeking a Finance Director in Northampton or Wellingborough, a Head of Finance in Kettering, or an experienced senior finance professional across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire or Buckinghamshire, David offers substantial experience alongside a pragmatic and commercially focused approach.

CANDIDATE SNAPSHOT

Location: Wellingborough
Roles Sought: Finance Director, Head of Finance and Senior Finance Leadership Opportunities
Availability: Two Month Notice Period
Preferred Locations: Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Salary Expectation: Circa £90,000 Per Annum
Qualification: CIMA Qualified
Sector Experience: Construction, Property, Manufacturing, Service, SME, Commercial and Multi-Site Operations
Key Strengths: Financial Strategy, Business Growth, Cash Flow and Treasury, Commercial Finance, Governance, Funding, MBOs, Business Transformation, Restructuring and Team Leadership
Recruiting Locations: Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Milton Keynes, Towcester, Daventry, Bedford and Surrounding Areas

If you are interested in this candidate, please get in touch with the team at Debbie Burbage Recruitment by emailing debbie@debbieburbage.co.uk