The role of Finance Director at Wessex Water is a critical one, overseeing the financial health and strategic direction of a company responsible for providing essential water and sewerage services to millions of customers in the south-west of England. While the specific individual occupying this position may change, the responsibilities and expectations remain relatively constant.
The Finance Director is ultimately accountable for the accuracy and integrity of Wessex Water’s financial reporting. This includes ensuring compliance with all relevant accounting standards, regulations, and legal requirements. They are responsible for the preparation and presentation of financial statements, including the annual report, which provides stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial performance and position.
Beyond reporting, the Finance Director plays a crucial role in financial planning and analysis. This involves developing long-term financial strategies, forecasting future performance, and managing the company’s budget. They work closely with other senior executives to identify opportunities for growth, efficiency improvements, and cost reduction. The Finance Director also assesses the financial implications of proposed investments and strategic initiatives, ensuring that they align with the company’s overall financial goals.
A significant aspect of the role involves managing the company’s relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, lenders, and regulators. Wessex Water, like other water companies, operates within a highly regulated environment. The Finance Director is responsible for ensuring that the company meets all of its financial obligations to the regulator, Ofwat, including price limits and investment requirements. They also play a key role in communicating the company’s financial performance and strategy to investors, maintaining their confidence and support.
Furthermore, the Finance Director is responsible for treasury management, which involves managing the company’s cash flow, debt, and other financial assets. This includes ensuring that the company has sufficient funds to meet its operating expenses, capital expenditures, and debt obligations. They also oversee the company’s hedging activities, which are designed to mitigate financial risks, such as interest rate fluctuations.
Effective risk management is another key responsibility. The Finance Director is responsible for identifying and assessing financial risks, such as credit risk, market risk, and operational risk. They work with other departments to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, ensuring that the company is protected from potential financial losses.
In addition to these core responsibilities, the Finance Director is also a key member of the company’s leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the business. They provide financial insights and perspectives to inform decision-making and help the company achieve its long-term goals. The role requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the water industry. The Finance Director must be able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external, to ensure the financial stability and success of Wessex Water.
600×200 wessex water water projects from waterprojectsonline.com 
1500×1000 corporate photography wessex water call staff colinhawkinscouk from colinhawkins.co.uk 
1948×1568 wessex water stormharvester from stormharvester.com