Job Description
Finance Director – Spain
Location: Madrid, Spain(Remote Working)
Reports to: Managing Director, Spain
Company: Global Leading Automotive Group
Role Overview
Our client, a global leader in the automotive industry, is entering an exciting growth phase with a strategic expansion into the Spanish market. As part of this transformation, the company is seeking an exceptional Finance Director to serve as the first finance leader on the ground.
This is a foundational leadership role responsible for building the finance function from the ground up, shaping financial governance, and supporting the Managing Director in driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.
The Finance Director will act as a strategic business partner, ensuring strong financial oversight, commercial insight, and disciplined resource allocation during the market expansion phase.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Finance Leadership
* Partner with the Managing Director to define the financial roadmap for the Spain business.
* Provide strategic financial insights to support market entry, commercial expansion, and operational decisions.
* Lead long-term planning, annual budgeting, and forecasting processes.
2. Financial Operations Setup
* Build and scale the finance function in Spain, including processes, policies, controls, and reporting frameworks.
* Establish accounting, cash management, internal controls, and compliance structures aligned with corporate global standards.
* Oversee ERP/system implementation for local finance operations.
3. Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
* Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to global HQ.
* Develop KPIs, dashboards, and performance tracking for business units.
* Conduct financial modelling, scenario analysis, and investment evaluations (e.g., new dealerships, distribution channels).
4. Risk, Compliance & Governance
* Ensure compliance with Spanish statutory requirements, tax regulations, and industry standards.
* Manage audits, regulatory filings, and liaise with external advisors and authorities.
* Implement robust risk management and internal control practices.
5. Commercial & Business Partnering
* Support pricing strategy, margin optimization, and commercial negotiations.
* Partner with sales, operations, supply chain, and aftersales teams to improve profitability.
* Evaluate business cases, partnerships, and growth initiatives.
6. Team Building & Leadership
* Hire, lead, and develop a high-performing finance team over time.
* Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
* 10–15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, ideally in automotive, manufacturing, or large-scale industrial sectors.
* Experience launching or scaling finance operations in a new market is highly preferred.
* Strong knowledge of Spanish GAAP, tax regulations, and compliance frameworks.
* Track record of acting as a strategic partner to senior management.
* Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset suited for a build-up environment.
* Excellent communication skills, fluency in Spanish and English required.
* CPA / ACCA / MBA preferred but not mandatory.