FINANCE DIRECTOR in Ware

A long-established, privately owned bespoke manufacturing business is seeking an experienced, qualified Finance Director to join its senior leadership team.

The business is investing in strengthening its financial leadership and is looking for a commercially minded, hands-on finance professional who can partner with the Managing Director while modernising the finance function.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Finance Director will take full responsibility for the finance function, working closely with an established accounts team while providing strategic financial leadership across the business.

This is a genuine hands-on role requiring someone who is equally comfortable producing high-quality financial reporting as they are working alongside operational teams to improve systems, processes and commercial decision-making.

A key focus will be gaining a thorough understanding of the business's manufacturing operations, particularly around stock control, Work in Progress (WIP), costing and operational reporting.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing the finance function to support the next phase of the company's growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function, providing both strategic and operational financial leadership.
• Produce accurate monthly management accounts with insightful commercial analysis.
• Deliver budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Develop robust financial reporting to support operational and strategic decision making.
• Review and improve finance systems, processes and internal controls.
• Strengthen stock valuation, inventory management and Work in Progress (WIP) reporting to improve financial accuracy.
• Work closely with production and operational teams to enhance manufacturing reporting and product costing.
• Identify opportunities to introduce greater automation and reporting efficiencies.
• Partner with the Managing Director and senior leadership team on commercial planning and business performance.
• Oversee year-end accounts, audit preparation and relationships with external advisers.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and tax reporting requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop the existing finance team.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance and wider business processes.
• The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant experience in a senior finance leadership role within a manufacturing environment.

They will be able to demonstrate

• Proven experience as a Finance Director, Financial Controller or senior finance leader.
• Strong manufacturing experience with an in-depth understanding of stock accounting, inventory control, product costing and Work in Progress.
• A hands-on approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
• Experience implementing improved financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships across finance, operations and production.
• A proactive, continuous improvement mindset with a track record of delivering change.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience of ERP or manufacturing finance systems.
• What's on Offer
• A newly created leadership role within a respected, long-established bespoke manufacturing business.
• The opportunity to shape and modernise the finance function.
• A highly visible position with direct influence over strategic business decisions.
• The chance to work closely with an engaged leadership team during an exciting period of development.
• A collaborative culture where practical ideas and continuous improvement are valued.

This role would suit a commercially focused Finance Director who enjoys being close to the business, improving processes, and helping a successful manufacturer continue to build on its market-leading reputation.