At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily performance reviews and provide real-time financial insights to operations teams.
- Company: Join a dynamic client undergoing transformation in South East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Initial 3-6 month contract with potential for extension.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact and become a trusted advisor in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your Story Starts Here
Picture this: You're the finance professional who thrives when others might feel overwhelmed. While some see complexity in daily operations, variance analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, you see opportunity. You're the person who walks into a business, quickly understands the rhythm of operations, and becomes the trusted voice that leadership turns to when they need clarity on performance, costs, and strategic direction.
The Challenge That Awaits
Our client is at a pivotal moment. They've brought in senior interim leadership to drive transformation, and they need someone who can seamlessly integrate into daily operations while providing the analytical backbone that keeps everything moving forward. This isn't about sitting in a back office crunching numbers. This is about being the finance partner who sits in daily operations meetings, who understands the pulse of the business, and who can translate operational performance into actionable insights that drive real business decisions.
You'll be the person who:
- Becomes the go-to expert for daily performance metrics and variance analysis
- Sits alongside operations teams, speaking their language while bringing financial rigor
- Provides the real-time insights that help leadership navigate complex operational challenges
- Builds the reporting frameworks that become essential to daily decision-making
Why This Role Exists (And Why You're Perfect For It)
The reality is, permanent hires often take months to truly understand operational nuances. Our client needs someone who can arrive on Day One and immediately add value. They need an interim professional who has walked into similar environments before and knows how to quickly become indispensable.
This is where your interim expertise becomes invaluable:
- Week 1-2: While others would still be learning the basics, you're already identifying improvement opportunities and building relationships with key operational stakeholders.
- Month 1: You're not just producing reports – you're providing insights that influence daily operational decisions and strategic planning.
- Month 2-3: You've become the trusted advisor that operations managers seek out for cost analysis, performance insights, and strategic input on operational initiatives.
- Months 3-6: You're leading process improvements, mentoring permanent staff, and leaving behind systems and insights that will benefit the organisation long after your assignment ends.
What You'll Actually Be Doing
- Daily Operations Partnership: Lead daily performance review meetings with operations teams - covering Material Price Variances, Stock movement. Provide real-time analysis on key operational metrics and cost drivers; Stock, Bill of Materials, New Recipes. Translate operational performance into financial insights for senior leadership. Become the bridge between operations and finance, speaking both languages fluently.
- Strategic Analysis Reporting: Develop and maintain critical performance dashboards and variance analysis. Manage complex data relationships and cost structures. Provide scenario analysis and forecasting to support operational planning. Create reporting frameworks that drive better decision-making.
- Transformation Support: Managing the Materials Master Data. Work directly with senior interim leadership on improvement initiatives. Identify and implement process enhancements that deliver immediate value. Support system optimisation and data integrity projects.
The Person We're Looking For
You're not just someone with finance experience – you're someone with operational finance expertise. You understand that the best finance professionals in operational environments are those who can work collaboratively with non-finance teams while maintaining analytical rigor.
Your Background Includes:
- Proven experience in manufacturing / operational finance roles where daily performance matters
- Track record of working effectively with operations teams and senior leadership
- Experience with variance analysis, cost management, and performance reporting
- Strong systems experience with ability to quickly adapt to new environments
- Previous interim or contract experience with demonstrated ability to integrate rapidly
Your Approach:
- You ask the right questions quickly and build credibility through competence
- You can simplify complex financial concepts for operational audiences
- You're comfortable being visible and influential in daily business operations
- You deliver insights, not just reports – and you do it consistently
Why This Opportunity Matters
- Immediate Impact: From day one, your analysis and insights will directly influence operational decisions and strategic direction.
- Senior Visibility: You'll work directly with interim leadership who understand and value the contribution of skilled interim professionals.
- Professional Growth: Exposure to transformation initiatives and senior-level strategic thinking that enhances your expertise for future assignments.
- Operational Excellence: The chance to work in an environment where finance and operations truly partner to drive performance.
The Practical Details
- Duration: Initially 3-6 months with strong potential for extension based on business needs and transformation timeline
- Location: South East London with hybrid working (2-3 days office-based, flexible arrangement)
- Compensation: £40,000 - £50,000 FTC equivalent
- Start: Immediate start available for the right candidate
- Working Style: Collaborative environment with daily interaction across multiple business functions
Ready to make your mark? Let's talk.
Manufacturing Accountant employer: IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide
IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture in West Yorkshire that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a commitment to employee development, this role as a Commercial Finance Partner provides a unique opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders while enhancing your skills in a thriving environment.
Contact Details:
IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Accountant
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into IFF Talent - Ingham Frankland Fide’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
