Finance Director

Established in 1875, JW Filshill is privately owned, run by 5th generation family members and provides delivered wholesale goods to 1400 customers across Scotland and Northern England, as well as a cash and carry in Hillington. The business also runs its own Symbol Group KeyStore which creates strong buying and marketing presence for its 170 independent retail members.

The proposition at JW Filshill is an exciting and compelling one for a talented and ambitious FD. Through the last recession the business has benefitted from a strong balance sheet and a focus on cost control. As the market continues to gain, JW Filshill is in a good position to increase revenue and profitability, as well as to potentially grow via acquisition.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant and existing Finance Director who has the mental capacity, confidence and commerciality to quickly learn the sector (if not already known), frame the challenges and play a significant role in guiding the business through growth over the next few years and well into the future. Candidates will have a track record of excellent credit control and must be able to deliver high quality reporting and analysis, with strong technical proficiency and high intellect, and have the ability to think strategically as well as be on top of the detail when required. They must also be able to communicate effectively at all levels of the business. M&A experience would be helpful, as would relevant sector experience but neither is as crucial as an ability to lead, support and control a traditional (but entrepreneurial) family business. The Finance Director will report directly to the CEO.

There is a significant opportunity for the right candidate to positively evolve the management practices, structures and responsibilities for the business. An FD who has experience of improving businesses and their Board practices, reducing complexity, streamlining systems and processes, implementing effective measurement and introducing relevant KPIs; all to increase efficiency, is likely to be very successful. Candidates will have existing experience in a commercial organisation with scale and complexity. The most important elements to be found in the successful candidate will be an enquiring mind, an ability to challenge, a good interpersonal fit to the existing leadership team and an aspiration to join the business and build a long-term career.