Job Description
INTERIM HEAD OF FINANCE 6 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT
Salary: £77k (FTE)
We have an exciting hands-on leadership role overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Credit Control and Finance teams. You will ensure robust financial control, regulatory compliance, and timely, accurate financial reporting. You’ll play a key role in financial planning, budgeting, and investment analysis, while also driving improvements in governance, internal controls, and financial systems.
Key Responsibilities
* Financial Control & Compliance:Ensure all statutory and regulatory obligations are met, including preparation of draft statutory accounts, VAT returns (MTD), HMRC submissions, and industry/government reporting. Lead the year-end audit process and tax analysis.
* Treasury & Credit Management:Oversee cash flow forecasting, manage banking relationships, and ensure efficient cash handling. Lead the credit control team to enhance collections and minimise bad debt in line with company policy.
* Management Reporting:Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including reconciliation of milk purchases, production data, sales volumes, and margin analysis. Maintain control over all balance sheet reconciliations and bank statements.
* Budgeting & Forecasting:Coordinate and support the preparation and consolidation of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
* Pricing & Costing Oversight:Verify and report on sales system pricing and costing data.
* Team Leadership:Recruit, train, and develop finance staff, fostering a high-performance culture.
* Payroll & Pensions:Support payroll operations and pension reporting to ensure compliance with internal and statutory requirements.
* System & Process Improvement:Enhance financial reporting capabilities and maintain finance systems. Lead internal audits and improve asset management practices.
* Other Duties:Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Finance Director.
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
* Minimum 4 years post-qualification experience in a high-volume, transaction-heavy manufacturing environment
* At least 3 years in a senior finance role managing cross-functional teams
* Experience in food, beverage, manufacturing, or distribution sectors is advantageous
* Advanced Excel and BI reporting skills (e.g., Power Pivot)
* Experience with financial system implementation is a plus
* Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
* Detail-oriented with a practical, hands-on approach