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

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and rolling forecasts
• Deliver cashflow forecasting and working capital optimisation
• Provide commercial insight to support capital investment decisions (Cap Ex)
• Support funding, refinancing, or investor reporting where required

• 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

• 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

• 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, Net Suite, EFACS, Epicor)
• Experience supporting Cap Ex projects, automation, or process improvement
• Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments

• 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

Immediate or short notice preferred