Head Of Finance

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