MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
Sheffield, Yorkshire
About Our Client South Yorkshire Police serves a diverse and vibrant region covering approximately 600 square miles and a population of almost 1.4 million people. With an annual budget of £380 million and a workforce of over 3,000 police officers and 2,200 support staff, the organisation plays a critical role in protecting communities and delivering essential public services across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. At its core, South Yorkshire Police is focused on preventing crime and disorder, responding to the needs of victims and communities, and targeting those who cause the most harm. The Force is already high performing, with clear ambitions to build on this and drive future policing to an even higher standard. Working as part of a cohesive leadership team, the finance function plays a vital role in enabling these priorities, ensuring every pound is used effectively, efficiently and in the public interest. This goes beyond managing budgets, requiring strong insight, influence and leadership to support confident decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation. South Yorkshire Police is entering an important period of transformation, with a clear focus on strengthening its financial capability, embracing innovation and continuous improvement, and enhancing the impact of recent investment in systems and infrastructure. Police staff work side by side with officers, united by a shared commitment to protecting and supporting communities. This is an opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation at a pivotal moment, where inclusive, values-led leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of finance and supporting the delivery of safer communities across South Yorkshire. Job Description Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, this is a visible and influential leadership role at a pivotal point for South Yorkshire Police and the wider policing sector. This is not a traditional technical finance role. You will play a key part in shaping the future direction of the finance function, working closely with the CFO to lead the organisation through a significant period of transformation. You will bring teams together, create clarity from complexity, and ensure finance is a trusted, forward-looking partner to the wider organisation. Key responsibilities include: Providing strong, values-led leadership to an established finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement Acting as a key member of the senior finance leadership team, working in partnership with the CFO to shape the long-term direction of travel for the function Translating strategic priorities into clear, actionable financial plans, ensuring alignment between organisational objectives and delivery on the ground Building strong, credible relationships across the organisation, acting as the bridge between senior leadership, operational stakeholders and budget holders Driving a more outward-facing, business-partnering approach to finance, helping non-finance colleagues understand financial context and make informed decisions Supporting the organisation to navigate complexity, scale and pace, ensuring finance keeps up with the demands of a dynamic and evolving environment Leading through change, helping the organisation unlock the benefits of recent system investment and embedding more insight-led ways of working Developing and motivating teams to perform at their best, creating an environment where people feel engaged, supported and part of a shared purpose Championing the role of finance within policing, ensuring it is seen as a proactive, enabling function rather than a transactional service This is an opportunity to join at the start of a transformation journey, not to maintain the status quo, but to help build, shape and lead what comes next. The Successful Applicant We are seeking a values-led, visible and engaging finance leader who brings people with them. This role is as much about leadership, influence and judgement as it is about technical expertise. You will be someone who can operate confidently at a senior level, translating strategic direction into meaningful action, and connecting finance with the wider organisation. This is an opportunity for an individual who is either operating at this level already or ready to step up, demonstrating the potential, self-awareness and ambition to grow into a critical leadership role within policing. You will bring: A recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) Senior-level finance experience within a large, complex organisation (public sector or similarly complex environment highly advantageous) A leadership style that brings teams together, motivates performance and creates a strong sense of shared purpose The ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level, translating organisational priorities into clear, deliverable financial outcomes Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build credibility across a diverse, non-finance audience Experience of working at pace within a complex environment, with the resilience and adaptability to navigate change and ambiguity The ability to act as the bridge between senior leadership priorities and delivery on the ground Critically, we are looking for someone who: Is more than a technical accountant. You will be a leader first, with the ability to shape, influence and drive change Can communicate financial information in a clear and engaging way, bringing colleagues with varying levels of financial understanding on the journey Demonstrates a genuine interest in, and passion for, policing and public service Brings curiosity and a growth mindset, with the ability to develop both themselves and others Understands that this is not a caretaker role, but an opportunity to join at the start of a transformation journey and help shape what comes next We welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds. Whilst experience within policing is advantageous, we are open to candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills from across the public sector, the right leadership profile and the potential to succeed in a fast-paced, high-profile public service environment. What's on Offer Salary ranging from £77,259 to £86,055 per annum depending on experience Generous annual leave allowance of 34 days (plus bank holidays) LGPS Pension Scheme with an employer pension contribution of 11.6% Hybrid working available with a minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the office Flexible working and flexi-time available as well as a number of excellent family friendly policies Process and Key Dates: Application Deadline: Thursday 2nd July before 23:59pm First Stage Interviews: 15th and 21st July 2026 Final Stage Interviews: 24th or 27th July 2026 For any further questions please email or call, however a CV application must be received via the advert to be considered in the process. Contact: Nicola Harper Quote job ref: JN-494 Phone number: Job summary Job function Accounting Subsector Financial Director / CFO Sector Public Sector Location Sheffield Contract type Permanent
About Our Client South Yorkshire Police serves a diverse and vibrant region covering approximately 600 square miles and a population of almost 1.4 million people. With an annual budget of £380 million and a workforce of over 3,000 police officers and 2,200 support staff, the organisation plays a critical role in protecting communities and delivering essential public services across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. At its core, South Yorkshire Police is focused on preventing crime and disorder, responding to the needs of victims and communities, and targeting those who cause the most harm. The Force is already high performing, with clear ambitions to build on this and drive future policing to an even higher standard. Working as part of a cohesive leadership team, the finance function plays a vital role in enabling these priorities, ensuring every pound is used effectively, efficiently and in the public interest. This goes beyond managing budgets, requiring strong insight, influence and leadership to support confident decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation. South Yorkshire Police is entering an important period of transformation, with a clear focus on strengthening its financial capability, embracing innovation and continuous improvement, and enhancing the impact of recent investment in systems and infrastructure. Police staff work side by side with officers, united by a shared commitment to protecting and supporting communities. This is an opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation at a pivotal moment, where inclusive, values-led leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of finance and supporting the delivery of safer communities across South Yorkshire. Job Description Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, this is a visible and influential leadership role at a pivotal point for South Yorkshire Police and the wider policing sector. This is not a traditional technical finance role. You will play a key part in shaping the future direction of the finance function, working closely with the CFO to lead the organisation through a significant period of transformation. You will bring teams together, create clarity from complexity, and ensure finance is a trusted, forward-looking partner to the wider organisation. Key responsibilities include: Providing strong, values-led leadership to an established finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement Acting as a key member of the senior finance leadership team, working in partnership with the CFO to shape the long-term direction of travel for the function Translating strategic priorities into clear, actionable financial plans, ensuring alignment between organisational objectives and delivery on the ground Building strong, credible relationships across the organisation, acting as the bridge between senior leadership, operational stakeholders and budget holders Driving a more outward-facing, business-partnering approach to finance, helping non-finance colleagues understand financial context and make informed decisions Supporting the organisation to navigate complexity, scale and pace, ensuring finance keeps up with the demands of a dynamic and evolving environment Leading through change, helping the organisation unlock the benefits of recent system investment and embedding more insight-led ways of working Developing and motivating teams to perform at their best, creating an environment where people feel engaged, supported and part of a shared purpose Championing the role of finance within policing, ensuring it is seen as a proactive, enabling function rather than a transactional service This is an opportunity to join at the start of a transformation journey, not to maintain the status quo, but to help build, shape and lead what comes next. The Successful Applicant We are seeking a values-led, visible and engaging finance leader who brings people with them. This role is as much about leadership, influence and judgement as it is about technical expertise. You will be someone who can operate confidently at a senior level, translating strategic direction into meaningful action, and connecting finance with the wider organisation. This is an opportunity for an individual who is either operating at this level already or ready to step up, demonstrating the potential, self-awareness and ambition to grow into a critical leadership role within policing. You will bring: A recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) Senior-level finance experience within a large, complex organisation (public sector or similarly complex environment highly advantageous) A leadership style that brings teams together, motivates performance and creates a strong sense of shared purpose The ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level, translating organisational priorities into clear, deliverable financial outcomes Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build credibility across a diverse, non-finance audience Experience of working at pace within a complex environment, with the resilience and adaptability to navigate change and ambiguity The ability to act as the bridge between senior leadership priorities and delivery on the ground Critically, we are looking for someone who: Is more than a technical accountant. You will be a leader first, with the ability to shape, influence and drive change Can communicate financial information in a clear and engaging way, bringing colleagues with varying levels of financial understanding on the journey Demonstrates a genuine interest in, and passion for, policing and public service Brings curiosity and a growth mindset, with the ability to develop both themselves and others Understands that this is not a caretaker role, but an opportunity to join at the start of a transformation journey and help shape what comes next We welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds. Whilst experience within policing is advantageous, we are open to candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills from across the public sector, the right leadership profile and the potential to succeed in a fast-paced, high-profile public service environment. What's on Offer Salary ranging from £77,259 to £86,055 per annum depending on experience Generous annual leave allowance of 34 days (plus bank holidays) LGPS Pension Scheme with an employer pension contribution of 11.6% Hybrid working available with a minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the office Flexible working and flexi-time available as well as a number of excellent family friendly policies Process and Key Dates: Application Deadline: Thursday 2nd July before 23:59pm First Stage Interviews: 15th and 21st July 2026 Final Stage Interviews: 24th or 27th July 2026 For any further questions please email or call, however a CV application must be received via the advert to be considered in the process. Contact: Nicola Harper Quote job ref: JN-494 Phone number: Job summary Job function Accounting Subsector Financial Director / CFO Sector Public Sector Location Sheffield Contract type Permanent
SAFRAN
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets. What does the role look like? We're recruiting an exciting Finance Controller role to be responsible for our Civil Aerospace business. We're looking for a transformational leader who has worked in complex environments previously. You will lead the finance function for business units with a turnover of up to 300million across two product focused P&L's and a central operation acting as an internal Supplier. Reporting into the UK Finance Director, You will be instrumental in supporting the Site Leadership Team in delivering its short and long term financial targets through the appropriate insight, analysis and strategic direction; maximising operational performance while focusing on areas of margin expansion and cost reduction to support value creation. What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like? Lead, develop and manage the Civil finance team to ensure high performance and accountability Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and KPIs. Developing key root cause analysis and an action plan to mitigate any variances Own the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning process. Own the scenario planning and sensitivity analysis (eg material cost inflation, FX, program impact). Support various functional teams (Operations, Programmes, Engineering etc) with cost control, margin analysis, and business cases. Translate financial insights into operational levers and drivers to maximise performance. Ensure compliance with Safran Group financial policies, statutory requirements, and internal controls Act as a strategic partner with supply chain, operations, programmes and engineering to drive efficiencies and support project delivery, cost control, margin expansion and business case development. Manage cashflow forecasting, working capital, and treasury processes Continuously improve financial processes, reporting tools, and ERP system utilisation What will you bring to the role? Essential skills: Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) Proven experience in a senior finance role within a manufacturing or similar environment Excellent financial planning, analysis, and reporting skills Ability to digest and manipulate complex data sets to translate into meaningful information. Desirable skills: Experience working in a matrixed or global organisation Knowledge of Aerospace or GAAP Experience with digital finance transformation or automation tools Exposure to capital investment analysis and cost accounting Lean / continuous improvement mindset
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets. What does the role look like? We're recruiting an exciting Finance Controller role to be responsible for our Civil Aerospace business. We're looking for a transformational leader who has worked in complex environments previously. You will lead the finance function for business units with a turnover of up to 300million across two product focused P&L's and a central operation acting as an internal Supplier. Reporting into the UK Finance Director, You will be instrumental in supporting the Site Leadership Team in delivering its short and long term financial targets through the appropriate insight, analysis and strategic direction; maximising operational performance while focusing on areas of margin expansion and cost reduction to support value creation. What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like? Lead, develop and manage the Civil finance team to ensure high performance and accountability Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and KPIs. Developing key root cause analysis and an action plan to mitigate any variances Own the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning process. Own the scenario planning and sensitivity analysis (eg material cost inflation, FX, program impact). Support various functional teams (Operations, Programmes, Engineering etc) with cost control, margin analysis, and business cases. Translate financial insights into operational levers and drivers to maximise performance. Ensure compliance with Safran Group financial policies, statutory requirements, and internal controls Act as a strategic partner with supply chain, operations, programmes and engineering to drive efficiencies and support project delivery, cost control, margin expansion and business case development. Manage cashflow forecasting, working capital, and treasury processes Continuously improve financial processes, reporting tools, and ERP system utilisation What will you bring to the role? Essential skills: Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) Proven experience in a senior finance role within a manufacturing or similar environment Excellent financial planning, analysis, and reporting skills Ability to digest and manipulate complex data sets to translate into meaningful information. Desirable skills: Experience working in a matrixed or global organisation Knowledge of Aerospace or GAAP Experience with digital finance transformation or automation tools Exposure to capital investment analysis and cost accounting Lean / continuous improvement mindset
SAFRAN
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets. What does the role look like? We're recruiting an exciting Finance Controller role to be responsible for our Civil Aerospace business. We're looking for a transformational leader who has worked in complex environments previously. You will lead the finance function for business units with a turnover of up to 300million across two product focused P&L's and a central operation acting as an internal Supplier. Reporting into the UK Finance Director, You will be instrumental in supporting the Site Leadership Team in delivering its short and long term financial targets through the appropriate insight, analysis and strategic direction; maximising operational performance while focusing on areas of margin expansion and cost reduction to support value creation. What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like? Lead, develop and manage the Civil finance team to ensure high performance and accountability Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and KPIs. Developing key root cause analysis and an action plan to mitigate any variances Own the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning process. Own the scenario planning and sensitivity analysis (eg material cost inflation, FX, program impact). Support various functional teams (Operations, Programmes, Engineering etc) with cost control, margin analysis, and business cases. Translate financial insights into operational levers and drivers to maximise performance. Ensure compliance with Safran Group financial policies, statutory requirements, and internal controls Act as a strategic partner with supply chain, operations, programmes and engineering to drive efficiencies and support project delivery, cost control, margin expansion and business case development. Manage cashflow forecasting, working capital, and treasury processes Continuously improve financial processes, reporting tools, and ERP system utilisation What will you bring to the role? Essential skills: Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) Proven experience in a senior finance role within a manufacturing or similar environment Excellent financial planning, analysis, and reporting skills Ability to digest and manipulate complex data sets to translate into meaningful information. Desirable skills: Experience working in a matrixed or global organisation Knowledge of Aerospace or GAAP Experience with digital finance transformation or automation tools Exposure to capital investment analysis and cost accounting Lean / continuous improvement mindset
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets. What does the role look like? We're recruiting an exciting Finance Controller role to be responsible for our Civil Aerospace business. We're looking for a transformational leader who has worked in complex environments previously. You will lead the finance function for business units with a turnover of up to 300million across two product focused P&L's and a central operation acting as an internal Supplier. Reporting into the UK Finance Director, You will be instrumental in supporting the Site Leadership Team in delivering its short and long term financial targets through the appropriate insight, analysis and strategic direction; maximising operational performance while focusing on areas of margin expansion and cost reduction to support value creation. What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like? Lead, develop and manage the Civil finance team to ensure high performance and accountability Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and KPIs. Developing key root cause analysis and an action plan to mitigate any variances Own the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning process. Own the scenario planning and sensitivity analysis (eg material cost inflation, FX, program impact). Support various functional teams (Operations, Programmes, Engineering etc) with cost control, margin analysis, and business cases. Translate financial insights into operational levers and drivers to maximise performance. Ensure compliance with Safran Group financial policies, statutory requirements, and internal controls Act as a strategic partner with supply chain, operations, programmes and engineering to drive efficiencies and support project delivery, cost control, margin expansion and business case development. Manage cashflow forecasting, working capital, and treasury processes Continuously improve financial processes, reporting tools, and ERP system utilisation What will you bring to the role? Essential skills: Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) Proven experience in a senior finance role within a manufacturing or similar environment Excellent financial planning, analysis, and reporting skills Ability to digest and manipulate complex data sets to translate into meaningful information. Desirable skills: Experience working in a matrixed or global organisation Knowledge of Aerospace or GAAP Experience with digital finance transformation or automation tools Exposure to capital investment analysis and cost accounting Lean / continuous improvement mindset
