Head of Finance in Sandford

Location: Knypersley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Employment Type: Full-Time - 36.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday (Monday – Thursday 9.00 – 5.00 pm and Friday 9.00 – 4.00)

Salary: £50,000 to £65,000

Feeling unfulfilled with your current role? Ready to be instrumental in driving the growth of an established, respected family-owned business to the next level? Here at CVM World, we provide employment opportunities that allow a healthy work/life balance, whilst rewarding those who engage with our aims and objectives. As a new member to our team, you’ll be invited to participate in our 9-day fortnight, an opportunity that will gain participants at least 20 extra days of free time a year!

We are a leader in the second-stage motor vehicle manufacturing sector, providing market leading vehicles to education, civils, charities blue light and many other sectors from our suite of Minibus, Welfare, Pick-Up and bespoke vehicle conversions. CVM World is a family owned and managed business with ambitions for growth. We are an SME operating a manufacturing, sales and rental business with a turnover of £10-£15m, aiming to grow to £20m+ over the next 3 years. Our rental fleet is roughly 450 vehicles on contracts ranging from 1-6 months and growing by circa 200 per annum. Our customers come from a variety of sectors including Blue Light, Education, Care, Fleet, Trade and Private sale.

To help us achieve our growth targets, we need talented individuals to join our team.

Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the finance function with a strong emphasis on operational delivery, accuracy, and compliance. This is a hands-on role focused on ensuring robust financial processes, timely reporting, and active involvement in day-to-day finance operations, whilst also having a vocal input into the strategic direction of the business. This is a role that we anticipate becoming a potential FD level appointment over time for the right candidate. It is an exciting time to be joining the department as we embark on paths to ISO and an internal and bespoke whole company ERP, and migration from Sage to Xero.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations Management: Oversee all accounting and finance operations including sales, purchase and general ledgers, payroll, and full reconciliation of the balance sheet. Strategic and ad hoc scenario input to the board. Report directly to the Managing Director.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and support the Finance Manager and wider finance team. Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives.
• Reporting: Prepare accurate quarterly management accounts and financial reports. Handle complex reconciliations, journal entries, and quarter-end close where required. Monitor cash flow and working capital, providing regular updates to the Managing Director.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Coordinate annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Compliance and Controls: Maintain and improve cost control and credit control systems. Ensure compliance with statutory laws, VAT returns, and financial regulations including zero rating VAT & FCA Consumer Duty. Maintain relationships with external advisors (payroll, accountants, banks and funders). Liaise with external auditors and manage audit process, assisting with any information required. Implement and maintain strong internal controls, developing and recording financial procedures and processes.
• Hands-On Involvement: Act as the intermediary between the Managing Director and finance staff for operational queries. Risk management – treasury risk (FX, interest rates, liquidity).

Skills and Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified accountant.
• Strong technical accounting skills and attention to detail.
• Leadership and management skills.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Industry experience is desirable but not essential, as is experience with Xero.
• Experience with system and database migrations is advantageous but not mandatory.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• 28 Days Holiday (Inc Bank Holidays)
• Possibility to opt in to the 9-day fortnight working hours after the probation period
• Invitation to Company Pension Scheme
• An input on the company’s operation through the Staff Liaison Committee
• Career progression & development pathways for suitable candidates
• Provision of Company Uniform
• Inclusive and collaborative company culture

Our premises are located in Knypersley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. ST8 7BD All applications will be considered. If you think you have what it takes to become an important part of our team, please send your CV. Or call our offices at CVM World Ltd, Tunstall Road Industrial Estate, Knypersley, ST8 7BD. If you would like an informal chat to find out more about the role, please call the office on 01782 444289 and ask for Paul Moss. Note: If you have not heard from us within 30 days of applying, it is likely your application has been unsuccessful.