A well-established SME manufacturer and supplier of consumer goods is now seeking a Head of Finance to join the management team. Annual turnover c£11M with 50 FTEs onsite. 

We are looking for a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to ensure accounting accuracy as they are sitting at the table helping to plan our client’s next phase of growth. This isn’t just a "number-crunching" role. The Head of Finance will be a qualified specialist who can bridge the gap between technical accounting and business strategy.

With 2 direct reports, you will be the MD’s right-hand person, taking ownership of the company’s financial health today while helping architect their growth for tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Act as a commercial partner to the MD, providing insights that drive profitability and long-term business planning.
• Financial Oversight: Take full ownership of the P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow. Modernise the reporting to provide "real-time" clarity on performance.
• Process Modernisation: Review legacy processes and implement modern, automated solutions where necessary to improve scalability.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the entire annual budgeting process and develop robust cashflow forecasting models to ensure liquidity and operational efficiency.
• Commercial Partnering: Provide detailed project costings and financial modelling for new initiatives, investments, and operational projects.
• International & Operations: Manage FX transfers and currency risk exposure for international transactions.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor two Finance Assistants, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in daily operations.
• External Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for the external accounting firm, bank, and auditors.

About You

We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented leader who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to establish new processes.

• Qualified: You should be a professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, or CIMA).
• Experience: You have a background in financial analysis, budgeting, and cashflow planning—ideally within a manufacturing or SME environment.
• Communicator: You can translate complex financial data into clear, practical insights for non-finance stakeholders and influence at a senior level.
• Technical Proficient: You possess high-level Excel and financial modelling skills and are comfortable implementing or optimising ERP systems.
• Commercial Flair: You understand working capital management and the nuances of FX in a global supply chain.