Interim Finance Manager | Hyper-growth UK start-up in Wakefield

Interim Finance Manager | Hyper-growth UK start-up in Wakefield

Wakefield Temporary Home office (partial)
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Take charge of financial control and build robust processes in a fast-growing environment.
  • Company: Dynamic climate and engineering start-up with ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work flexibility, and immediate impact on the business.
  • Other info: Opportunity for significant influence and career development in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Join at the ground floor and shape the future of finance in a high-growth company.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance, hands-on approach, and familiarity with Sage software.

High-Growth Climate & Engineering Group | Yorkshire | Predominantly Remote

£250-£350 per day | Immediate Start

Some roles you inherit. Others you build. This is very much the latter.

The Opportunity

A newly formed UK group, backed by a well-funded and established international parent, has been created through an ambitious acquisition strategy in the Construction Consulting and Engineering services space. In just 12 months, the group has grown from £0 to c.£100m revenue - and this is only the beginning. The UK platform is at an early but critical stage. Growth is fast, expectations are high, and much of the finance infrastructure is still being shaped. This creates a rare opportunity to step in at the ground floor, with the freedom - and backing - to put robust financial foundations in place.

An Interim Financial Controller is now required to help stabilise, build and scale the finance function as the group continues to acquire and integrate businesses.

Why This Role Is Different

  • Joining during the build phase, not once everything is polished
  • Working closely with a highly credible, down-to-earth Group Finance Director and leadership team
  • Genuine influence over systems, controls, reporting and ways of working
  • Immediate visibility of impact - decisions made now shape the future
  • High trust, high autonomy environment
  • A mandate to roll sleeves up and get things done

This is not a hands-off or purely strategic assignment. It requires someone who enjoys doing, building, fixing and improving - often simultaneously - in a fast-moving, imperfect environment.

The Brief

As Interim Financial Controller, the role will play a central part in:

  • Taking ownership of day-to-day financial control across newly acquired UK businesses
  • Getting fully immersed in the numbers - balance sheets, reconciliations, journals and queries
  • Reviewing, creating and embedding core financial processes, controls and reporting
  • Supporting month-end close in a growing, evolving group environment
  • Working closely with Directors of acquired entities to introduce consistency, discipline and clarity
  • Supporting the integration of finance operations as the group scales through acquisition
  • Identifying risks, gaps and quick wins - and then fixing them

You’ll be trusted with autonomy, supported by the Group FD, and given the mandate to improve things properly - but you’ll need to be comfortable operating where not everything yet exists.

Who This Will Suit

This role will suit an experienced, pragmatic Interim Financial Controller who:

  • Thrives in SME, owner‑managed or high‑growth environments
  • Is genuinely hands‑on and comfortable in the detail
  • Has built and implemented finance processes from scratch
  • Is confident joining businesses mid‑flight and bringing order at pace
  • Knows Sage well and isn’t precious about system limitations
  • Can quickly understand messy balance sheets and resolve issues decisively
  • Ideally has experience in construction, engineering or contracting, including WIP and cut‑off
  • Is CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualified

Most importantly, this suits someone who doesn’t turn their nose up at doing the work - while also knowing how to design something better for the future.

Location & Working Pattern

Predominantly remote. Senior leadership currently operates from the York / Doncaster / Leeds area. Occasional travel to group offices will be required. A more centralised operating model may follow as the group matures.

Contract & Future Prospects

Immediate start required (1-2 weeks max). Interim rate circa £300-£380 per day (top end for the right individual).

Summary

If you enjoy stepping into high‑growth, high‑trust environments... If you like being the person who builds the foundations others rely on... And if you want your work to matter from day one... This is an opportunity to leave a genuine mark.

Interim Finance Manager | Hyper-growth UK start-up in Wakefield employer: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding climate and engineering group that offers an exceptional opportunity for growth and influence. With a predominantly remote working model and a supportive leadership team based in Yorkshire, you will have the autonomy to shape financial processes and make a tangible impact from day one. This high-trust environment not only fosters collaboration but also encourages hands-on involvement, making it an ideal place for those looking to build their career in a meaningful way.

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

Contact Detail:

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Manager | Hyper-growth UK start-up in Wakefield

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and engineering sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet!

Tip Number 2

Get your LinkedIn game on point! Update your profile to reflect your skills and experiences relevant to the Interim Finance Manager role. Engage with posts related to finance and construction, and don’t hesitate to share your insights – it’ll get you noticed!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s background. Understand their growth story and challenges. This will help you showcase how your hands-on experience can directly contribute to building their finance function from the ground up.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us in this exciting journey of growth and transformation!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Manager | Hyper-growth UK start-up in Wakefield

Financial Control
Financial Reporting
Process Improvement
Balance Sheet Management
Reconciliation
Journals Management
Month-End Close

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 experience in building finance processes and your ability to thrive in high-growth environments. We want to see how you can bring order and clarity to financial operations!

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. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial control in fast-paced settings, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with Sage.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to identify risks and gaps in financial processes. We’re looking for someone who can not only spot issues but also take decisive action to fix them. Share stories that demonstrate your proactive approach!

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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

Know Your Numbers

As an Interim Finance Manager, you'll need to be comfortable diving deep into financial details. Brush up on balance sheets, reconciliations, and journals before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past roles.

Showcase Your Hands-On Experience

This role is all about getting stuck in and building processes from scratch. Prepare examples of when you've successfully implemented finance processes in high-growth environments. Highlight your ability to thrive in fast-paced settings.

Understand the Company’s Growth Strategy

Research the company’s recent acquisitions and growth trajectory. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious plans and what financial foundations you believe are essential for their continued success.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

The role requires identifying risks and quick wins. Think of specific instances where you've resolved financial issues decisively. Show that you're not just about strategy but also about rolling up your sleeves and getting things done.