Interim SME Finance Manager

Interim SME Finance Manager Overview Here at Hays, we are partnering with a growing SME in Gloucester to recruit an experienced Interim Finance Manager to support the finance function during a period of transition. This hands-on role will lead a small transactional finance team, ensure timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts, and support the Finance Director with year-end audit preparation and wider finance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities Manage, support, and develop a transactional finance team of three (AP/AR/Payroll). Oversee daily transactional processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong financial controls. Review, enhance, and streamline finance processes to drive efficiency across the function. Prepare full monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments, balance sheet reconciliations, and P&L analysis with insightful commentary. Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, providing financial insight to the Finance Director and wider leadership team to aid decision‑making.

Assist with preparation for the year‑end audit, including schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and responding to auditor queries. Contribute to ad hoc projects, analytical work, systems improvements, and broader finance initiatives as required. Skills & Experience Required Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Management Accountant, or similar role. Strong technical accounting skills (SME experience preferred). Confident managing and developing small finance teams.

Hands-on and adaptable, comfortable working in a varied SME environment. Experience preparing full management accounts and supporting audits. Strong Excel and systems capability. Professional qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) is advantageous but not essential. 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.  

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