An established and growing SME operating within a group structure is seeking a commercially minded Head of Finance to lead its finance function during an important phase of operational growth and performance improvement.
The business is operationally focused, commercially driven, and committed to strong financial discipline to support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and margin optimisation.
This position forms part of the Senior Leadership Team and carries full responsibility for finance across the organisation. The role combines strategic financial leadership with hands‑on operational control, supporting senior stakeholders in driving profitability, cash performance, and informed decision making.
The successful candidate will lead financial governance, oversee manufacturing cost performance, manage working capital, and provide commercial insight to support business strategy and investment decisions.
This is a highly visible leadership opportunity suited to an individual who enjoys operating both strategically and operationally within a dynamic SME environment.
1. Financial Reporting & Performance Management
Lead preparation of monthly management accounts with full variance analysis
Prepare board‑level reporting packs and performance commentary
Deliver annual statutory accounts in line with UK GAAP
Lead budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycles
Conduct scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis
Provide detailed KPI reporting covering margin, productivity, and working capital
Deliver advanced Excel‑based financial modelling and analysis
2. Audit, Controls & Compliance
Act as primary contact for external auditors
Lead year‑end statutory audit process
Maintain strong internal controls across all financial processes
Ensure compliance with VAT
Ensure compliance with PAYE
Ensure compliance with Corporation Tax
Ensure compliance with Companies House filing
Ensure compliance with Pension Regulator requirements
Maintain balance sheet integrity via structured reconciliation processes
Oversee fixed asset register and depreciation policies
Ensure company secretarial filings and statutory registers are maintained
3. Group Reporting & Intercompany Management
Ensure accurate and timely reporting to group
Manage intercompany reconciliations and transactions
Oversee VAT returns for group entities
Align local reporting standards with group requirements
Liaise with group finance and external advisors on complex tax or structural matters
4. Manufacturing Costing & Margin Control
Establish and review standard costing methodologies
Set and review direct labour recovery rates
Develop and maintain overhead absorption models
Monitor labour utilisation, productivity and efficiency
Analyse material, labour, and overhead variances
Review scrap, yield, and production efficiency metrics
Conduct product and customer profitability analysis
Partner with Operations and Procurement to improve cost visibility and margin
5. Working Capital & Cash Flow Management
Produce rolling cash flow forecasts
Oversee debtor management and credit control
Approve credit limits and monitor debtor ageing
Supervise invoice finance facility reporting and reconciliations
Ensure compliance with lender covenants
Maintain strong banking relationships
Review creditor payments and authorise BACS runs
6. Inventory & Stock Governance
Oversee inventory valuation methodology
Review stock provisions and obsolescence reserves
Monitor stock turns and working capital exposure
Ensure accurate month‑end stock reconciliation
Collaborate with operations to improve stock accuracy
7. Payroll, Pensions & Employee Financial Administration
Oversee outsourced payroll provider
Review payroll prior to submission
Ensure compliance with Pension auto‑enrolment
Ensure compliance with P11Ds
Ensure compliance with Apprenticeship levy reporting
Administer salary sacrifice schemes
Oversee employee expense controls and credit card management
Ensure accurate HR‑related financial reporting
8. Insurance & Motor Fleet Oversight
Manage corporate insurance renewals and claims
Review policy coverage and negotiate premiums
Oversee motor fleet compliance and financial reporting
Lead CapEx approval process
Develop investment appraisals and ROI analysis
Ensure strategic alignment of investment decisions
10. Commercial Business Partnering
Support pricing models and tender submissions
Provide margin analysis for new contracts
Deliver financial modelling for growth initiatives
Challenge operational costs constructively
Support strategic planning and expansion initiatives
LEADERSHIP, SKILLS & SUCCESS MEASURES
Lead and develop Finance Assistant and Finance Business Partner
Provide oversight of transactional finance activities
Set performance objectives and conduct reviews
Promote continuous improvement in systems and reporting
Champion process efficiency and ERP optimisation
Actively contribute to SLT strategy and decision‑making
Qualifications & Experience
ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or qualified by experience)
5–10 years’ experience in manufacturing or stock‑intensive environment
Strong experience in: Standard costing, Labour recovery & overhead absorption, Invoice finance facilities, VAT and statutory compliance, Audit processes, Cash flow forecasting
Advanced Excel and ERP system expertise
Experience managing or supervising a small finance team
Why Apply
Senior leadership influence within a growing organisation
Broad ownership across finance and commercial operations
Opportunity to shape finance structure and capability
Visible role supporting strategic business decisions
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