Head Of Finance

Job Description:

Interim Head of Finance – Engineering & Manufacturing

Location: On-site / Hybrid (UK-based manufacturing environment)

Contract Type: Interim / Fixed-Term Contract (3–12 months)

Day Rate / Salary: Competitive – dependent on experience and scope

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Finance to provide immediate leadership within an engineering/manufacturing business. The role will support the organisation through a period of operational focus, growth, system improvement, or change, ensuring strong financial control, accurate reporting, and commercially focused insight across production, supply chain, and operations.

This role requires a hands-on finance leader with a deep understanding of manufacturing cost structures, margins, and operational drivers.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Control

• Lead the finance function, ensuring strong financial governance and control 

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including AP, AR, payroll, and cashflow 

• Ensure timely production of accurate monthly management accounts 

• Maintain robust balance sheet control, including stock, WIP, and accruals 

Manufacturing & Operational Finance

• Full ownership of product costing, standard costing, and variance analysis 

• Manage and report on WIP, stock valuation, and inventory controls 

• Partner with operations and production teams to improve efficiency and margins 

• Analyse labour, material, overhead absorption, and yield 

• Support pricing, quoting, and margin analysis for engineered products 

Reporting, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance (VAT, PAYE, corporation tax) 

• Prepare information for year-end accounts and audits 

• Liaise with auditors, banks, funders, and external advisors 

• Improve reporting visibility across manufacturing KPIs 

Commercial & Strategic Support

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and rolling forecasts 

• Deliver cashflow forecasting and working capital optimisation 

• Provide commercial insight to support capital investment decisions (CapEx) 

• Support funding, refinancing, or investor reporting where required 

Change & Transition

• Stabilise the finance function during periods of change or growth 

• Lead or support ERP / finance system improvements or implementations 

• Strengthen finance processes and controls within a manufacturing setting 

• Mentor and develop the existing finance team 

• Ensure a smooth handover to a permanent Head of Finance or FD 

Key Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience as an Interim Head of Finance / Financial Controller / Finance Director within engineering or manufacturing 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) 

• Strong experience in manufacturing finance, including stock, WIP, and costing 

• Advanced Excel skills and strong financial modelling capability 

• Experience partnering closely with operations and production teams 

• Hands-on, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail 

Desirable

• Previous interim or turnaround experience 

• Experience in SME, PE-backed, or owner-managed manufacturing businesses 

• Exposure to ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Sage, NetSuite, EFACS, Epicor) 

• Experience supporting CapEx projects, automation, or process improvement 

• Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments 

Personal Attributes

• Commercially focused with an operational mindset 

• Comfortable on the shop floor as well as in the boardroom 

• Calm, credible, and decisive under pressure 

• Able to deliver impact quickly in a fast-paced environment 

Start Date

Immediate or short notice preferred