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