Interim Finance Manager
Location: Cardiff or Bicester (Hybrid - 3 days in office)
Contract: 6-month fixed-term contract (parental leave cover)
Reporting: CFO
Overview
We are looking for an experienced, hands‑on finance manager to join our team on a 6-month fixed‑term contract to provide parental leave cover. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a broad, high-impact finance role, working closely with the CFO and partnering across the business to support both operational excellence and strategic decision‑making.
As interim finance manager, you will lead the day‑to‑day operational finance function while ensuring accurate reporting, robust controls, and insightful financial analysis to support business performance.
You’ll take ownership of core finance activities, from management accounts and payroll through to forecasting and business partnering, while leading a small team and contributing to wider organisational goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the smooth running of the finance function, ensuring all transactions are processed accurately and on time
* Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts and ensure high-quality financial reporting
* Maintain compliance with PAYE, VAT, and statutory requirements, including filings
* Support treasury activities, including cash flow and currency risk management
* Strengthen internal controls, audit processes, and financial procedures
* Deliver timely, insightful financial analysis to support business decisions
* Develop and maintain forecasts and financial models aligned to strategic plans
* Produce clear and impactful management information packs
* Support pricing, project accounting, and performance analysis
* Work collaboratively with project leads, budget holders, and senior stakeholders
* Provide financial insight to drive performance, profitability, and growth
* Translate financial data into clear, actionable recommendations for non-finance colleagues
* Support the wider team with guidance on finance processes and best practices
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the finance function
Requirements
* Qualified accountant or finalist (CIMA, ACCA)
* Experience in an SME, consultancy, or professional services environment
* Strong technical knowledge across management accounts, payroll, and compliance
* A proven ability to partner with non-financial stakeholders and influence decisions
* Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, approachable style
* Confidence balancing strategic thinking with operational detail
Preferred Experience
* Prior experience as a finance manager in a founder-led, or PE-backed, SME business
Benefits
* Competitive compensation and benefits package
* A learning culture focused on personal development and supported by study bursaries
* Workplace pension scheme
* Range of high street, supermarket, restaurant, gym membership, holiday and entertainment discounts via Pluxee
* Employee assistance programme
* Employees are given an additional day of leave for: their wedding and moving house
* Annual leave purchase scheme of up to 10 additional days' leave per year
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