Head of Finance | Manufacturing SME | Essex | £85,000 - £95,000 + Bonus
We are conducting a confidential search for a Head of Finance to join a well-established, privately owned UK manufacturing business.
With turnover of circa £10m, strong profitability and ambitious plans for continued growth, the business is now looking to strengthen its senior leadership team with the appointment of a commercially minded finance leader.
This is not a role for someone who wants to sit above the numbers.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the finance function while becoming a key commercial partner to the leadership team. You will need to be equally comfortable reviewing product costing and margins, improving finance processes and controls, working through an ERP project, and contributing to decisions around growth, investment and operational performance.
The opportunity
You will take responsibility for:
- Full financial management including management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow
- Product costing, margin analysis and commercial performance
- Developing stronger financial controls, systems and processes as the business grows
- Supporting the development and implementation of ERP and finance systems
- Providing meaningful analysis and insight to the MD and leadership team
- Business partnering with operational and sales teams
- Supporting strategic projects, growth initiatives and operational improvements
- Managing relationships with auditors, banks and external advisers
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a qualified accountant, ideally CIMA, ACA or ACCA, with strong experience in a manufacturing environment.
You are likely to have:
- Significant experience in a senior finance position within an SME or similarly hands-on environment
- Strong manufacturing accounting experience, particularly product costing and margin analysis
- Experience of ERP implementation, development or significant systems improvement
- Strong budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management capability
- The confidence to challenge, influence and partner with senior operational leaders
- A genuinely hands-on approach. This is a leadership position, but it is not a purely strategic role
Typically, we would expect candidates to have 8+ years of progressive finance experience, including meaningful experience operating at Financial Controller, Head of Finance or an equivalent level.
For the right individual, there is also a genuine opportunity to develop into the company's No.1 Finance Director as the business continues to grow.
Package: £85,000 - £95,000 + bonus and benefits
Due to the sensitive nature of the appointment, the identity of the client will be disclosed to suitable candidates following an initial confidential conversation.
NOTE: All applicants will be required to complete The Acuity Method assessment to be considered for this role.
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Head of Finance in Essex employer: Acuity Associates
Join a thriving family-owned business that values hands-on involvement and offers a supportive work culture. As a Finance Manager, you'll enjoy direct access to the Managing Director and the opportunity to shape the finance function while benefiting from performance-related bonuses and guidance from an experienced fractional Finance Director. This role not only allows for personal growth within a collaborative environment but also provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on the company's financial processes.
