Head of Finance (FD Designate)
Head of Finance (FD Designate)

Head of Finance (FD Designate)

Bradford Full-Time 48000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
H

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a finance team, ensuring accurate financial reporting and strategic insights.
  • Company: Join a family-owned SME in Bradford known for its people-first culture and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, performance bonuses, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a collaborative setting with strong growth potential.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Other info: This role offers a hands-on approach with opportunities for personal and professional development.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 60000 £ per year.

Head of Finance (FD Designate)

Bradford Manufacturer Full-time Onsite Up to £60,000
Your new company
Hays Senior Finance is proud to be exclusively partnered with a family-owned SME manufacturing business based in Bradford. Renowned for its people-first culture and commitment to excellence, the company combines a strong heritage with a forward-thinking mindset. To support its continued growth, the business is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Finance (FD Designate) to join the leadership team and shape the future of its finance function.
Your new role
This newly created position offers a pivotal opportunity to strengthen financial operations. The Head of Finance (FD Designate) will lead and develop a small, capable finance team, ensuring robust financial governance and delivering strategic insights to drive productivity and profitability. This hands-on role is ideal for someone who thrives in an SME environment and values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee the production of accurate and timely management accounts
  • Lead and structure the finance team, fostering a culture of learning and accountability
  • Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory financial requirements
  • Develop and implement financial controls, policies, and procedures
  • Provide strategic financial leadership to the Director and wider leadership team
  • Manage cash flow and financial reporting processes
  • Liaise with external auditors, banks, and other stakeholders
  • Support business planning and decision-making through insightful financial analysis
  • What you\’ll need to succeed

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent), or qualified by experience
  • Proven experience in a senior finance role within a fast-paced SME manufacturing environment
  • Strong leadership and team development skills
  • Excellent knowledge of financial compliance and governance
  • Hands-on approach with a strategic mindset
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Comfortable working on-site with flexibility as needed
  • Confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from shop floor to boardroom
  • What you\’ll get in return

  • Competitive salary of £60,000
  • Company car
  • Performance-linked bonus scheme
  • Pension scheme
  • Supportive, people-first culture where your voice is heard
  • Low staff turnover, high tenure, and organisational stability
  • What you need to do now
    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.
    # #J-18808-Ljbffr

    Head of Finance (FD Designate) employer: Hays

    Join a family-owned SME manufacturing business in Bradford that prioritises a people-first culture and values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. As the Head of Finance (FD Designate), you will benefit from a competitive salary, a company car, and a performance-linked bonus scheme, all while working in an environment that fosters employee growth and stability with low staff turnover. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the finance function within a supportive team dedicated to excellence.
    H

    Contact Detail:

    Hays Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (FD Designate)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Research the company thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and recent developments in the manufacturing sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with current or former employees of the company on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Finance role, which can give you an edge in discussions.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your leadership skills and financial acumen. Be ready to explain how you've successfully managed teams and improved financial processes in previous roles.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Practice your communication skills, especially in conveying complex financial information in a clear and engaging manner. As this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your insights effectively is crucial.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (FD Designate)

    Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
    Senior Finance Experience in SME Manufacturing
    Leadership and Team Development
    Financial Compliance and Governance Knowledge
    Strategic Financial Leadership
    Cash Flow Management
    Financial Reporting Processes
    Communication Skills
    Interpersonal Skills
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Analytical Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Hands-on Approach
    Flexibility in On-site Work

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, particularly in an SME manufacturing environment. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to oversee financial operations.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your values align with their people-first culture and how you can contribute to their growth and success.

    Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, and any other relevant certifications. If you are qualified by experience, provide examples of how your background has prepared you for this position.

    Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your strategic mindset and hands-on approach. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed financial compliance, and provided insights that drove business decisions.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Hays

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Head of Finance, you'll be expected to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past, highlighting your ability to foster a culture of learning and accountability.

    ✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

    Be ready to discuss your experience with financial compliance and governance. Bring specific examples of how you've implemented financial controls and policies in previous roles, especially in an SME environment.

    ✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

    This role requires a strategic mindset. Think about how you can contribute to business planning and decision-making. Be prepared to share insights on how you've used financial analysis to drive productivity and profitability.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    You'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, whether discussing financial reports with the board or collaborating with team members on the shop floor.

    Head of Finance (FD Designate)
    Hays
    H
    • Head of Finance (FD Designate)

      Bradford
      Full-Time
      48000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

      Application deadline: 2027-08-01

    • H

      Hays

    Similar positions in other companies
    UK’s top job board for Gen Z
    discover-jobs-cta
    Discover now
    >