Carnall Farrar (CF) is a growing consultancy that works across all aspects of the health sector, from supporting the NHS to serving major life science companies. Founded in 2013, CF has a core team of management consultants, technical consultants, a data operations team and corporate functions. The firm is highly regarded for the support and development it gives its people and for its expertise in health and healthcare.

Role summary

The Finance Director plays a pivotal role in driving financial performance and efficiency across our firm. The position is responsible for overseeing financial planning, reporting, compliance and strategic support to the leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial leadership – collaborate with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to develop, refine and implement financial strategies aligned to our business objectives.
• Financial insights – provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic initiatives including pricing models and tracking profitability.
• Financial planning – work together with the Head of Operations, Planning and Reporting to align financial planning with operations and forecast planning.
• OKR development – define and track key company Objective Key Results (OKRs) for financial performance and effectiveness.
• Budgeting and forecasting – lead the development of annual budgets, monthly forecasts and long-term projections, creating monthly budget statements for all budget holders.
• Financial reporting – prepare and present accurate, timely financial statements and management reports, highlighting performance, variances and key trends.
• Cash flow and working capital – oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management, monitoring and optimising accounts receivable, payable and overall liquidity.
• Cost control and profitability – ensure effective cost control measures, analyse costs and profit margins, and engage with the leadership team to optimise cost management.
• Regulatory compliance – ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements, including tax filings and corporate governance.
• Audit management – manage the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors to ensure compliance and timely completion.
• Internal controls – maintain robust financial controls, processes and systems to safeguard the organisation’s assets and ensure accurate reporting.
• Risk management – maintain robust risk management practices and mitigate financial risks across the business.
• Systems and process improvement – identify opportunities to streamline and improve processes, systems and reporting tools, and oversee the selection and implementation of financial information systems and software tools.
• Commercial and reporting – manage the financial monthly reporting process, support the creation of the IPR (Integrated Performance Report), monitor KPIs and profitability, and support BD teams with pricing strategies and margin analysis.
• Advisory role to the Board and Senior Leadership Team – advise on financial performance and provide insights to shape corporate strategy and support strategy refreshes.
• Leadership and development – lead, manage and develop the finance team, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborate cross‑team to ensure financial alignment and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Qualified CIMA/ACCA accountant.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen.
• Proven experience in a senior finance role within a management consulting or professional services environment.
• Track record of delivering data‑driven operational decision‑making, scenario modelling and operational and financial strategy development.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, able to distill complex data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, producing and presenting high quality materials and ensuring often complex concepts are digestible to all.
• Ability to delegate efficiently.
• Proven ability to work effectively with senior leadership.
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Xero or similar) and advanced Excel skills.

Preferred Experience

• Background in consultancy or a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with healthcare or life sciences sectors.
• Proficiency in management information systems (ideally CMAP) and advanced Excel modelling.

Flexible working

• Hybrid working model: in‑person connections and remote work.
• Work from home one day per week as standard; 44 remote working days per year available to top up home days.
• Core in‑person hours 10am‑4pm, offering flexibility to manage your schedule.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building an inclusive and supportive culture where diversity thrives. We recruit, promote and reward people based on skills and contribution, without regard to gender, race, disability, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, marital status or other characteristics. We are Disability Confident Accredited and will provide reasonable adjustments to support all candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement: 25 days per year for staff, 30 days for leadership (increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 35 days).
• We contribute 7% of your salary into your pension, while you contribute 3% (or more).
• Access to a flexible benefits programme (pension contributions, cash plan, ClassPass subscription).
• Annual leave purchase: employees with less than 35 days may purchase additional leave days.
• Income protection: up to 75% of salary for long‑term incapacity.
• Enhanced sick pay: up to 12 weeks in any 12‑month period.
• Life insurance: four times basic salary tax‑free lump sum.
• Enhanced family leave: additional pay for parents who have a baby or adopt.
• Interest‑free loan up to £10,000.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan repayable over 12 months.
• Workplace nursery scheme: tax‑free scheme for working parents.
• Remote working policy: fully remote for up to 4 weeks a year.
• Employee assistance and wellness programme: telephone counselling, life coaching, digital tools.
• Seasonal flu jabs: provided by Boots annually.
• Eye care tests: vouchers and discounts at Vision Express.
• Ride‑to‑work scheme: up to 42% savings on bikes and cycling accessories.
• Membership to the Health Service Journal (HSJ).

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Finance

Industries

• IT Services and IT Consulting