Head of Finance & IT (Permanent)

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join our growing business in Hereford. This is a key leadership role offering the chance to make a real impact, influence business strategy and help shape the future of an established engineering, industrial supply and machinery manufacturing business. Head of Finance & IT 55,000 – £60,000, depending on experience ~ Full-time, Permanent ~ Reports to: General Manager ESC Trading Ltd is a growing engineering and industrial supply company with a machinery manufacturing division. As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced Head of Finance & IT to join our leadership team, taking ownership of our finance function and IT systems as we shape the company's next chapter. As Head of Finance & IT, you'll sit on the leadership team and play a central part in shaping company strategy, not just managing finance and IT, but influencing the direction of the business as a whole. You'll take full responsibility for financial controls and reporting, producing monthly management accounts and compiling the Board Pack for presentation to the Board of Directors, while also overseeing IT systems and infrastructure to ensure both functions run efficiently and support the company's wider goals. Act as a trusted advisor to the General Manager on financial and operational matters Represent finance and IT perspectives in strategic planning, investment decisions, and risk management Champion a culture of financial discipline and operational efficiency across the business Finance Take full ownership of financial controls and reporting across the business Produce monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness Lead the finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning Oversee and optimise use of Sage 200 accounting software, ensuring accurate financial records and efficient processes Own cash flow management and long-term financial strategy Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and external advisors Develop and mentor the finance team, building capability as the business grows IT & Systems Oversee the company's IT infrastructure, systems, and software Manage relationships with IT suppliers, service providers, and software vendors Ensure data security, backup, and business continuity processes are in place and effective Lead on system upgrades, integrations, and new software implementations Develop IT policies and ensure compliance with data protection requirements (e.g. Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) Significant experience in a senior finance role, with a track record of leadership team or board-level involvement Experience producing management accounts and board-level reporting is essential Strong working knowledge of Sage 200 accounting software and understanding of AI and how that can be used across the business. Experience overseeing IT systems or infrastructure, ideally in an SME environment where IT sits alongside other responsibilities Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to influence beyond your immediate function Salary of £55,000 – £60,000, depending on experience plus company bonus scheme ~ Company pension scheme ~ Private healthcare ~22 days holiday (plus bank holidays) ~ No agencies, please. Finance Director, Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Head of Finance and Operations, Finance and IT Manager, Head of Finance and Systems, Commercial Finance Manager, Group Financial Controller, Head of Business Services, Director of Finance and Operations