About the Role
Join Buro Happold as Group Finance Director. This person can be based in our Bath or London office on a hybrid working model.
At Buro Happold, we are driven by a shared ambition to create a better, more sustainable world. As our business continues to grow and evolve globally, we are seeking an experienced and values‑led Group Finance Director to play a pivotal leadership role within our Finance function. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Group Finance Director will act as Deputy to the CFO, providing group‑wide financial leadership, governance, assurance and control across a complex, multi‑region professional services organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Deputy CFO & Group Leadership
Act as trusted deputy to the CFO, providing leadership, continuity and challenge across all group finance matters
Support the CFO in executive, committee and external stakeholder engagements, including auditors and banks
Help shape and deliver the global finance strategy
Global Oversight
Provide oversight and direction to regional finance leaders, ensuring consistent standards, accountability and collaboration
Act as escalation point for complex accounting, compliance and governance issues
Support global finance capability, resourcing and succession planning
Group Financial Control & Reporting
Lead group financial control, statutory consolidation and reporting
Ensure consistent application of accounting policies, judgements and estimates
Own the group balance sheet, including intercompany, tax balances, provisions and working capital
Governance, Compliance, Assurance & Risk
Own the global financial governance framework, policies and delegated authorities
Lead year‑end processes, statutory accounts and external audit across the group
Partner with the CFO and risk leadership to identify, manage and mitigate financial risk
Treasury & Capital Management
Lead global treasury strategy, including liquidity, cash, funding and FX risk management
Oversee banking relationships, facilities, guarantees and covenant compliance
Support capital structure and financial resilience planning
Tax Affairs
Provide leadership and oversight of global tax compliance and governance
Oversee corporate tax, VAT/GST, transfer pricing and withholding taxes
Act as senior sponsor for tax planning in line with business strategy and risk appetite
Systems, Process & Continuous Improvement
Support delivery of the future finance agenda, including systems optimisation, automation and standardisation
Drive continuous improvement in processes, controls and data quality
People Leadership
Lead and develop a high‑performing, inclusive global finance team
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement
Support global engagement, EDI initiatives and talent development
Qualifications
Significant experience in a senior Group Finance Director or Financial Controller role
Strong background in financial control, statutory reporting, audit and compliance
Deep understanding of governance, risk and internal controls in a multi‑entity organisation
Proven experience leading global or multi‑region finance teams
Experience influencing and advising at executive and board level
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Desirable
Experience within professional services or construction
Familiarity with Agresso and/or Deltek Vision
Style & Behaviours
Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving capability
Confident, resilient and comfortable operating with autonomy
Collaborative leader with excellent communication skills
Highly organised, detail‑focused and able to manage complex priorities
Values‑driven, proactive and committed to supporting the wider business
Why Join Buro Happold
At Buro Happold, we believe in creating a better, more sustainable world. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We offer a supportive environment where your contributions make a real difference.
What We Offer You
Hybrid working arrangements
Attractive salary
Discretionary bonus
Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) and flexible holiday arrangements
10% car allowance
Generous company pension scheme, life assurance and income protection
Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans, and corporate discounts
Enhanced parenthood leave policies
A strong commitment to continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you
Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
A commitment to your wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities
An opportunity to support your local community and those in society that are most in need, wherever they are located in the world through our Share Our Skills (SOS) programme
A supportive and inclusive environment that will welcome you through social and outreach activities from the Young Employees Forum to mentoring
An international culture that wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold, you won't be far from exceptional.
Technology is the beating heart of our work and intrinsic to our culture. We innovate, think smart, and embrace digital solutions to push forward. We look for candidates with a digital mindset who embrace new technologies with enthusiasm. Buro Happold values flexible working patterns and welcomes applicants seeking flexibility. Our exceptional portfolio is underpinned by diverse thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences, and we ensure employees feel they can thrive without masking their identities.
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