Scapa Finance Director - Financial Business

The Finance Director (FD) at Scapa Group, a global supplier of bonding solutions and manufacturer of specialty products, plays a pivotal role in the company’s financial health and strategic direction. This individual is much more than a number cruncher; they are a key business partner, responsible for ensuring financial stability, driving profitable growth, and managing risk.

The FD’s primary responsibilities center around the integrity and accuracy of Scapa’s financial reporting. This includes overseeing the preparation of statutory accounts, management reports, and investor presentations, ensuring compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and relevant regulatory requirements. The FD is the ultimate owner of the company’s internal control environment, implementing and maintaining robust systems to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.

Beyond reporting, the FD is crucial in strategic planning. They work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop and execute the company’s financial strategy. This involves analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities for growth and efficiency improvements, and providing financial insights to support decision-making. A critical function is building financial models to assess the viability of new investments, acquisitions, and divestitures. The FD will also lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring that the company has a realistic and achievable financial plan.

Effective cash management is another key responsibility. The FD manages the company’s working capital, optimizing cash flow and ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs. This includes overseeing relationships with banks and other financial institutions, negotiating financing agreements, and managing foreign exchange risk. They are also responsible for efficient tax planning and compliance, minimizing the company’s tax burden while adhering to all applicable regulations.

The FD is also a key communicator. They present financial information to the Board of Directors, investors, and other stakeholders, providing clear and concise explanations of the company’s financial performance and outlook. This requires strong communication and presentation skills, as well as the ability to build trust and credibility with a diverse range of audiences.

Increasingly, the FD’s role extends beyond traditional finance. They are expected to be data-driven, leveraging technology and analytics to gain deeper insights into the business and identify opportunities for improvement. They often lead or participate in cross-functional projects, driving efficiency initiatives and supporting the implementation of new technologies.

In essence, the Scapa FD is a strategic leader, a financial expert, and a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board. Their expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of the global business environment and ensuring the long-term success of the company.