Interim Finance Lead
Lancashire | 3‑6 Months | Full Time or Reduced Week Considered | Urgent
A highly profitable, privately owned manufacturing business in Lancashire is looking for an experienced interim Finance Director or Financial Controller to cover an immediate gap in finance leadership. This is a business with real energy, a strong customer base, an exciting product pipeline and the financial strength to back it.
While they are looking for the right person to hold the fort during an important period and do it well, the business is at an interesting point in its development and there is potential for the right person to be involved in activity beyond the day‑to‑day.
The role title, responsibilities, and day rate will reflect the level and capability of the successful candidate – the priority is finding someone strong who is available immediately to bridge the gap.
The Role
This is a hands‑on role – you will be working closely with a qualified accountant, taking day‑to‑day ownership of the finance function while the business moves through its July year end and into the early months of its new financial year. The priority is straightforward: keep the finance function running smoothly, get through year end, and support a clean handover to an incoming permanent FD.
While the core of this role is operational, the business would welcome someone who can bring broader commercial instincts, supporting the MD on pricing, margins, and customer discussions where relevant. The scope is flexible and will reflect the experience of the person who joins.
What the role involves
* Managing month end & management accounts working closely with the small finance team
* Taking ownership of the July year end ensuring accounts are completed accurately and on time
* Maintaining the financial forecast
* Signing off payroll, cash flow, payments, and banking
* Handling supplier and customer finance queries
* Being a steady presence and mentor for the finance team
* Supporting the MD with costings and margin queries as they arise
What we're looking for
* A qualified FC or FD with a track record of owning a finance function in an SME
* Hands‑on and practical, comfortable working alongside a small team rather than above it
* Strong on management accounts, costings and margin analysis
* At ease with Sage and spreadsheet‑heavy environments
* Product manufacturing experience is essential – the business runs complex seasonal costings and the year end requires manufacturing‑specific knowledge
* Available immediately or at very short notice; timing is critical
The day rate is competitive and will reflect the experience and seniority of the successful candidate. The business is open to a full‑time arrangement or a reduced working week for the right person, with the scope of the role adjusted accordingly.
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