Interim SME Finance Manager

Overview
Here at Hays, we are partnering with a growing SME in Gloucester to recruit an experienced Interim Finance Manager to support the finance function during a period of transition. This hands-on role will lead a small transactional finance team, ensure timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts, and support the Finance Director with year-end audit preparation and wider finance initiatives.
Key Responsibilities

• Manage, support, and develop a transactional finance team of three (AP/AR/Payroll).
• Oversee daily transactional processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong financial controls.
• Review, enhance, and streamline finance processes to drive efficiency across the function.
• Prepare full monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments, balance sheet reconciliations, and P&L analysis with insightful commentary.
• Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, providing financial insight to the Finance Director and wider leadership team to aid decision-making.
• Assist with preparation for the year-end audit, including schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and responding to auditor queries.
• Contribute to ad hoc projects, analytical work, systems improvements, and broader finance initiatives as required.

• Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Management Accountant, or similar role.
• Strong technical accounting skills (SME experience preferred).
• Confident managing and developing small finance teams.
• Hands-on and adaptable, comfortable working in a varied SME environment.
• Experience preparing full management accounts and supporting audits.
• Strong Excel and systems capability.
• Professional qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) is advantageous but not essential.