The role

12-month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

We're offering an exciting 12-month opportunity for an experienced and commercially driven Director of Business Finance to step into a pivotal leadership role during a critical period of transformation and integration.  The role will lead financial strategy and performance for the Online Betting and Gaming (“OBG”) business unit here at FDJ United, a key strategic area for the Group as it enters a new chapter.

You'll be joining a part of the business, newly acquired by a larger group, with the opportunity to lead key finance transformation initiatives and guide the business through a high-profile integration programme. It's a senior leadership role with real influence – ideal for someone who enjoys hitting the ground running and making a meaningful contribution in a fixed-term capacity.

As Director of Business Finance, you will be accountable for leading the Business Finance team within OBG Business Unit here at FDJ United.  The role will have a strong FP&A focus and take the lead on tasks such as the preparation of financial reports, Board of Directors materials and monthly performance/financial analysis to be shared across the organization. You will also lead a team of highly-regarded Finance Business partners driving commercial performance and cost optimization across the business.   

What will you be doing?

• Lead the Business Finance function, managing its learning and development needs.  Ensure that both the FP&A and Business Partnering teams are delivering a high quality of service to the business and are focusing their efforts on the most valuable areas.
• Lead on key finance transformation initiatives, including integration of financial systems, processes and reporting as part of our wider group integration – ensuring alignment, consistency, and scalability.
• Champion a performance-led culture by making financial performance a core part of everyday business conversations.  Drive performance and cost optimisation across the business.
• Identify risks and opportunities early, and provide strategic recommendations to optimize value.
• Lead the Business Unit's planning, budgeting and forecasting cycles and business case development.  Ensure these processes are completed in line with Group timelines and vision, and the long-term strategy. Challenge senior leaders, and flag any areas of concern or unfavourable trends that should be considered.
• Have a strong knowledge of market expectations and understanding of levers that FDJ United has to bridge gaps vs external guidance.  Work closely with Group Finance, Performance teams and Investor relations on all external reporting, support with the equity story and help anticipate difficult questions from the market. 
• Work with the Strategy team to develop, review and challenge the OBG strategy and financial planning.
• Work closely with the Financial Control and Reporting teams to ensure that the monthly accounting is completed to a high quality and on a timely basis and look at the bigger picture to identify where things can be improved in the process.
• Work closely with Data teams to ensure business has access to accurate data in a format that satisfies their requirements.

 What have you done?

• Strong technical accounting ability
• Ability to translate complex data into a format that is understood by non-Finance stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the gambling industry.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and pick out the key points.
• Strong leadership capabilities as well as a team player with a focus on collaboration
• Comfortable presenting to executive management and/or Board.
• Experience leading teams consisting of individuals with several years post qualified experience.
• Customer service orientation
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Ability to negotiate and influence senior management.
• Comfortable managing upwards as well as downwards.
• Displays excellent attention to detail
• Easily carries a complex business conversation / shows business acumen
• Is calm and poised. Asks the right questions and is an excellent listener

Who we're looking for (Position Requirements)

• Seasoned and experienced finance leader with proven experience influencing business outcomes at a senior level. 
• Significant experience in a comparable role.
• Qualified Chartered Accountant preferred but not essential.
• Some exposure to technology, leisure or media sectors is likely to be helpful, but it is not specifically required to have any background in the gambling sector.