At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for two UK manufacturing plants and influence decision-making.
- Company: Established European manufacturing group with a strong leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
- Other info: Study support available and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain ownership and influence in a high-impact leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experienced Finance Manager or strong Management Accountant with manufacturing experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
I'm working exclusively with a well-established, privately owned manufacturing business to appoint a Finance Manager at a crucial stage of growth. This is a rare opportunity to step into a visible, trusted leadership role within a European group, owning finance for two UK manufacturing plants, while being part of a wider network spanning 18 sites across Europe.
The Opportunity
This role offers you real influence at both site and group level. You will report directly into the Managing Director of the UK plant, while also working closely with, and reporting to, the Group Financial Controller, who oversees finance across all 18 European sites. You'll have full ownership of the accounts for two UK plants, acting as the financial lead locally while contributing to group reporting, standards and best practice across the wider organisation. If you want a role that combines autonomy, strategic exposure and international collaboration, this is it.
What You’ll Be Doing
- End-to-end ownership of finance for two UK manufacturing plants
- Leading and developing the onsite accounts team
- Producing timely, high-quality monthly management accounts for site and group
- Costing, margin and variance analysis within a manufacturing environment
- Cashflow forecasting, foreign currency purchasing and treasury activities
- Monthly and six-monthly reporting into the European parent group
- Budgeting, forecasting and year-end planning
- Statutory compliance including VAT, Plastic Packaging Tax, P11Ds and ONS reporting
- Supporting the annual audit and liaising with external advisors
- Acting as a key finance partner to the Plant MD and Group Financial Controller
This is a hands-on, embedded finance role where your insight will directly influence decision-making.
What They’re Looking For
- An experienced Finance Manager or strong Management Accountant ready for the next step
- Manufacturing or industrial experience strongly preferred
- Confident producing management accounts and managing cashflow
- Comfortable operating within a group structure while owning local performance
- A pragmatic, commercial individual who enjoys responsibility and visibility
Study support is available if required.
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Monday-Friday, 9-5 with a one-hour lunch (office based)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- 5% pension contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance (2x salary after 6 months)
- Free onsite parking
- A stable, long-term role within a respected European manufacturing group
Why Apply?
You’ll be trusted to run finance properly, supported by an experienced Group FC and a leadership team that values strong financial insight. This is a role for someone who wants ownership, influence and progression, not just a job.
Finance Manager in Hereford employer: Four Squared
Contact Detail:
Four Squared Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the manufacturing sector or finance roles. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial performance and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their growth and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing accounts and cashflow in a manufacturing environment. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this high-impact role. Share specific examples of your achievements in finance and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, don’t forget to mention your skills in producing management accounts and cashflow management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Squared
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to manufacturing, such as cash flow forecasting and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to influence decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading an onsite accounts team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've developed a team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to inspire and guide others towards achieving financial goals.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing industry and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s operations and how finance plays a role in their success. This will help you articulate how you can add value and align with their strategic objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle budgeting, compliance issues, or financial reporting challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.