Head of Finance (Financial Controller) - 12 month contract in Ilminster

EMPLOYMENT TERM - 12 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT

START DATE - JULY/AUGUST 2026

ABOUT US

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years. Our success is built on innovation, precision and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

ROLE

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, for our Optical Systems Division, the role holder will work with the Ilminster site management team to ensure the site achieves its financial budgets, forecast and strategic plan growth targets.

• Provide timely, accurate and insightful aggregated financial reporting to the Ilminster site management team to ensure financial budgets, forecasts are achieved or exceeded.
• Oversee the development of the site’s budget, forecasts and financial strategic plans.
• Ensure G&H finance policies and controls are fully implemented in the Ilminster site.
• Act as a finance business partner to the ILM site leadership team ensuring that the financial consequences of alternative decisions are accurately assessed and presented.
• Ensure supporting business cases are properly prepared to support business decision making e.g. investment decisions, alternative supplier sourcing etc.
• Provide financial input and approval for quotes and proposals submitted to customers, through the Gate Review process.
• Ensure the complete and accurate financial accounting and reporting of the ILM site.
• Ensure standard costs are properly maintained and analysed, and corrective actions are proposed for variances identified.
• Ensure financial systems are in place to allow the Ilminster site to comply with customer mandated financial reporting (e.g. UK Govt, ESA).
• Liaise with the Group’s external auditors to provide requested information and explanations to support a smooth and efficient audit of the site.
• Ensure foreign currency exposures are identified and mitigated.
• Submit tax packs for the site to allow the calculation of the Group’s UK tax liabilities.
• Together with Ilminster Site management develop and implement processes and procedures to ensure the efficient, profitable operation of the site’s manufacturing activities.
• Provide leadership and management for the Ilminster Site Financial Controller.

RESPONSIBILITIES – G&H Finance Team member

As requested Group Finance provide ad hoc support and share expertise as part of Group Finance projects. This will include:

• Providing support and advice to other G&H sites on how best to use the Syspro systems.
• Supporting the annual reviews of other sites adherence to the G&H financial controls framework.
• Supporting project to improve the efficient operation of Finance function activities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Qualified Accountant (UK CIMA or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in a finance role with leadership responsibility and acting as a finance business partner to non-finance colleagues.
• Strong understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards
• Knowledge of UK direct and indirect tax.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• In depth knowledge and experience of operating ERP systems (e.g. Syspro) and standard costing systems.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Leadership
• Delivering Results
• Quality and Accuracy
• Accountability

G&H BENEFITS

25 days holiday +