Finance Manager/Head of
Sector: Industrial Manufacturing, Engineering Services, Capital Equipment
Overview
A fast-growing industrial manufacturing and engineering services company is entering a new phase of progression. It now requires an experienced Finance Director to provide strategic leadership, strengthen financial governance, modernise systems, and prepare the business for future growth.
This role blends strategic direction with hands-on management, supporting the transition.
Purpose of the Role
To lead the finance function, build long-term financial strategy, and ensure the business is investment ready. The Finance Director will drive financial intelligence, improve reporting, and support the senior leadership team as the company scales.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead and develop the finance team (Management Accountant, Accounts Assistant).
2. Contribute to senior management strategy and decision-making.
3. Deliver an investment-ready programme: improved systems, reporting, controls, and governance.
4. Produce monthly management accounts, dashboards, and board reports.
5. Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
6. Manage P&L, balance sheet and cash flow forecasts.
7. Present financial insights at board meetings.
8. Manage relationships with banks, auditors, advisors, and potential investors.
9. Strengthen financial governance, compliance, risk management.
10. Introduce improved project profitability and margin analysis.
11. Drive financial systems upgrades and automation.
12. Support the shift to manufacturing: costing, investment modelling, operational planning.
13. Partner with the MD on strategic initiatives and capital projects.
14. Provide commercial insight across all departments.
15. Oversee payroll, VAT, statutory reporting and financial controls.
16. Lead continuous improvement within the finance function.
Person Specification
17. Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant PQE.
18. Experience as Finance Director, Head of Finance, or senior finance leader in a scaling SME.
19. Background in manufacturing, engineering, or capital equipment sectors.
20. Strong technical accounting and reporting skills; strategic and hands-on capability.
21. Proven experience preparing a business for investment/funding.
22. Skilled in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, board reporting.
23. Strong leadership and team-development ability.
24. Commercially astute, pragmatic, and comfortable in a fast-paced SME.
25. Analytical, data-driven mindset.
26. High integrity and strong communication skills.
27. Able to balance governance with entrepreneurial agility.
Additional Information
This is a pivotal role supporting a business undergoing major transformation. The Finance Director will elevate financial capability, prepare the company for future growth, modernise systems, and support its evolution into a market leading organisation. It offers the opportunity for significant strategic impact.