Head of Finance

This role leads all financial operations for a manufacturing SME, working closely with the Managing Director and Board to deliver accurate reporting, planning, and strategic financial insight while remaining hands-on. It combines team leadership with responsibility for accounting, budgeting, cashflow, tax, audit, and the professionalisation of finance processes within a growing business that is part of a wider group.

Client Details

My client is a privately owned, manufacturing SME. They operate as part of a wider international group. They are in a phase of professionalising and strengthening their finance function, valuing hands-on leadership, robust controls, and close collaboration with senior management.

Description

• Oversee all financial operations within the company
• Manage the accounting and finance team and guide them towards achieving company objectives
• Drive profitability and growth by understanding and influencing key business drivers
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Ensure compliance with regulatory laws and standards in all financial functions
• Develop and implement financial strategies and plans
• Monitor and manage company budget and finances
• Engage in regular financial forecasting and risk analysis

Profile

• Commercially minded finance leader with strong technical accounting expertise
• Comfortable operating hands-on in an SME manufacturing environment
• Credible business partner to the Managing Director and Board, contributing to strategic and investment decisions
• Proven capability across financial reporting, budgeting, FP&A, and cashflow management
• Experience professionalising finance and accounting processes and controls
• Confident people manager, able to lead and develop a small finance team
• Strong communicator, effective with auditors, tax advisers, and wider group stakeholders
• Advanced Excel skills, with exposure to ERP/BI systems an advantage
• Pragmatic, detail-oriented, and proactive with a can-do attitude

Job Offer

• Senior leadership role with genuine influence, working closely with the Managing Director and Board
• Opportunity to shape and professionalise the finance function within a growing manufacturing business
• Broad, end-to-end responsibility across finance, offering strategic exposure as well as hands-on involvement
• Stable, permanent position within a profitable SME that is part of a wider group
• Scope to lead, develop, and build a small finance team and improve systems and processes
• Involvement in key commercial decisions, including investment appraisal and CAPEX planning
• Competitive senior-level remuneration package, commensurate with experience
• Chance to make a visible, lasting impact in a business at an important stage of its development