At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, manage cash flow, and support senior leadership in decision-making.
- Company: Innovative, PE-backed SME in York with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive professionals seeking autonomy and challenge.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a key finance role during a period of change.
- Qualifications: Strong finance background, advanced Excel skills, and experience in presenting to senior stakeholders.
Are you a hands-on finance professional who thrives in SMEs where you can take full ownership and make an immediate impact? If you enjoy working closely with senior leadership, improving processes, and bringing clarity to cash and forecasting, this could be a great fit.
We're partnering with an innovative, PE-backed SME based in York that is going through a period of transition following the departure of its Finance Manager. This is a standalone, high-autonomy interim role, focused on stabilising the finance function and supporting the business through a key period.
The Role
- You'll step in as the lead finance contact, owning the full finance function and supporting decision-making at board level.
- Month-End Close: Delivering a fast, accurate close (target WD3) and producing management accounts.
- Board Reporting: Preparing monthly finance packs and presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Cash Flow Management: Owning forecasting and cash control (critical focus area).
- Business Planning: Supporting forward-looking analysis with senior leadership.
- Financial Modelling: Updating pricing, trade assumptions, and sales forecasts.
- Audit Management: Leading the audit process and coordinating external stakeholders.
- Inventory Accounting: Managing stock and inventory controls.
- Process Improvement: Simplifying processes (including invoicing) and improving reporting.
This is a hands-on, end-to-end role where you'll need to balance detail with commercial insight.
What We're Looking For
- Strong SME finance background with end-to-end ownership experience.
- Confident delivering month-end quickly and accurately.
- Advanced Excel skills (core to the role).
- Experience with inventory accounting.
- Comfortable presenting at board level and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Proactive, hands-on, and solutions-focused.
Desirable
- Manufacturing or product-based business experience.
- Experience in cash-sensitive or PE-backed environments.
- Audit coordination experience.
Why Join?
This is a great opportunity to step into a true No.1 finance role in a growing, innovative business. You'll have full ownership of finance, direct exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to make a meaningful impact during a key period of change. With flexibility on working pattern and scope for extension, it's an ideal role for an experienced interim who enjoys autonomy and challenge.
Location: York (hybrid)
Rate: £275-£325 per day
Contract: 6-9 months (potential to extend or go permanent) – will consider more experienced candidates on a part-time basis.
Start: ASAP
If you're a hands-on finance professional who enjoys ownership, pace, and making a difference quickly, hit apply.
Interim Finance Manager employer: Headstar
Join an innovative, PE-backed SME in York as an Interim Finance Manager, where you'll enjoy a high-autonomy role that allows you to make a significant impact on the finance function. With a flexible hybrid working model, direct exposure to senior leadership, and opportunities for professional growth, this position is perfect for proactive finance professionals looking to thrive in a dynamic environment during a pivotal transition period.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in SMEs. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're looking to land that interim role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your board-level presentation skills. You’ll want to showcase your ability to influence senior stakeholders and demonstrate your hands-on approach to finance management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Finance Manager. Highlight your hands-on finance experience, especially in SMEs, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to take ownership and make an impact.
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 role. Mention your experience with month-end closes, cash flow management, and how you've improved processes in previous roles. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Excel Skills:Since advanced Excel skills are core to this role, don’t forget to mention any specific projects or tasks where you’ve used Excel to drive results. Whether it's financial modelling or reporting, let us know how you've leveraged these skills effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headstar
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed month-end closes in the past. Be specific about your achievements and how they impacted the business.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
This role emphasises simplifying processes and improving reporting. Prepare examples of how you've streamlined finance functions or improved cash flow management in previous roles. Highlight your proactive approach and the tangible results of your efforts.
✨Be Ready for Board-Level Discussions
Since you'll be presenting to senior stakeholders, practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. Think about how you can influence decision-making at the board level and prepare to discuss your experience in doing so.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
This is a standalone role, so it's crucial to convey your hands-on experience. Share stories that illustrate your ability to take ownership and make immediate impacts in previous positions. Show them you're not just a number cruncher but a strategic partner.
