Job Description
Temporary Finance Manager - Stockton Based - 3-6 months duration
Finance Manager (Temporary - 3-6 Months)Stockton-on-Tees Immediate Start / Short Notice
The Opportunity
Hays are working with a manufacturing company who are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join their team on a temporary basis for a minimum of 3-6 months. This is a hands-on role, ideal for a proactive finance professional with strong technical accounting expertise who can quickly add value and support business-critical reporting cycles.Based in Stockton-on-Tees, you will play a key role in delivering accurate financial reporting, robust financial control, and insightful analysis to support decision-making.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Month-End Close
* Lead the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate completion of financial accounts
* Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP and/or IFRS.
* Ensure all statutory filings are accurate and submitted within deadlines
* Prepare and post journal entries, including depreciation, accruals, prepayments, and provisions
Management Reporting & Analysis
* Support preparation of management accounts, including KPIs and budget vs. actual analysis
* Deliver insightful commentary and variance analysis to inform business decisions
* Perform detailed gross margin analysis, identifying performance trends and key drivers
* Recommend actions to improve profitability and enhance reporting transparency
Audit & Compliance
* Act as a key contact for external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient audit process
* Maintain compliance with internal controls, company policies, and regulatory requirements
* Support year-end processes and audit deliverables
Fixed Assets & Rebates
* Manage the Fixed Asset Register, ensuring accurate recording, classification, and valuation
* Ensure compliant capitalisation and depreciation policies are applied
* Calculate and account for customer rebates, ensuring accurate accruals, reporting, and credit note processing
Stock Control & Inventory Management
* Conduct regular stock reconciliations and investigate discrepancies
* Ensure compliance with accounting standards for inventory valuation, including provisions for obsolete or slow-moving stock
* Provide accurate stock data for month-end and year-end reporting
* Drive improvements in stock accuracy, minimising provisions and write-offs
Budgeting & Forecasting
* Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and rolling forecasts
* Develop financial projections across revenue, costs, and cash flow
* Identify key risks and opportunities to support strategic planning
* Maintain and enhance financial models and forecasting tools
Continuous Improvement
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance financial reporting, efficiency, and controls
* Support optimisation of finance processes and reporting accuracy
About You
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
* Proven experience in a Finance Manager or Senior Finance role, ideally within a fast-paced environment
* Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and/or IFRS
* Experience of leading month-end and year-end processes
* Confident working with auditors and external stakeholders
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial data clearly
* Experience with stock/inventory accounting and margin analysis is highly desirable.
* Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with ERP systems
* Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to hit the ground running
What’s on Offer
* Immediate opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a busy finance function
* Competitive daily or annualised rate
* Flexible, supportive working environment
* Potential for extension depending on business needs
What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4802953