Interim Finance Manager in Essex

Maldon Salt is a fourth-generation family-owned business with almost 145 years of craftsmanship at its heart. Our unique pyramid shaped sea salt flakes have been hand-harvested using the same traditional methods since 1882 and are recognised globally as the finest of sea salts, exporting to over 60 countries worldwide. Trusted by chefs and cooks around the world and recognised by the Royal Household, we have proudly held the Royal Warrant as official purveyors of sea salt since 2012.

Today, Maldon Salt combines this unique heritage with innovation—remaining true to our roots whilst inspiring new generations of food lovers with an expanding portfolio of salts and seasonings..

As a business, we take our corporate social responsibility to our customers, partners, and our ourselves seriously, continually seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact. This includes initiatives such as lowering carbon emissions and using carbon-balanced packaging. In partnership with the World Land Trust, Maldon Salt supports global conservation efforts, helping protect threatened habitats and wildlife with every box produced. This ongoing commitment reflects our dedication to global environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.

Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, this 4-6 month fixed-term contract role will provide experienced financial leadership and hands-on support across the finance function during a busy period of operational and project activity.

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills and previous experience operating at Financial Controller or Finance Manager level. They will work closely with the existing finance team, supporting day-to-day operations, enhancing financial controls, assisting with team management and mentoring, and delivering key finance projects.

This is a broad and varied role requiring someone who can quickly become operationally effective, balance strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, and confidently support both routine finance activities and business-critical initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Reporting

• Support month-end and year-end close activities.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure integrity of financial records.
• Assist with preparation of management accounts and board reporting.
• Investigate and resolve accounting issues and unusual transactions.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal control procedures.

Business Support

• Provide financial support across all areas of the business as required.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning activities.
• Support operational teams with financial analysis and decision-making.
• Contribute to finance transformation and process improvement initiatives

Project Work

• Lead or support finance projects as directed by the Head of Finance.
• Support implementation and optimisation of finance systems and reporting tools.
• Assist with audit, tax, compliance and corporate governance projects.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching and support to members of the finance team.
• Assist with workload prioritisation and resource planning across the department.
• Support the Head of Finance in managing, developing and mentoring finance team members.
• Review work prepared by colleagues and provide constructive feedback to promote continuous improvement.
• Act as a senior escalation point for accounting and reporting queries.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• Experience: Strong post-qualification experience within a multi-entity, international manufacturing or FMCG business would be ideal although international and manufacturing not essential
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in statutory accounting with strong knowledge of accounting standards and previous exposure to various tax work
• Systems & Tools: Advanced Excel skills, hands-on experience with modern ERP systems (Sage X3 preferred) and BI/analytical tools (e.g., Power BI, SEI, Zap).
• Industry Focus: Experience operating in a £50m+ turnover, physical product/manufacturing context is highly advantageous

Key Behaviours & Attributes

• Technical Rigour & Integrity: High technical standard with exceptional attention to detail in technical accounting and international tax.
• Continuous Improvement: Courage to challenge existing manual workflows and implement automated, modern financial solutions.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Strong analytical abilities to resolve complex balance sheet, intercompany, and tax queries.
• Effective Stakeholder Communication: Ability to articulate technical tax and statutory matters clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Values Driven: Demonstrates commitment to core company values (Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation).

Qualifications

• Fully Qualified in ACCA, ACA or CIMA

Hours

• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days (pro-rata) annual leave + bank holidays rising to 28 days with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• 1 week company sick pay after successful probationary period, increasing to 3-weeks Company Sick Pay (after 12 months service)
• Life Assurance (4 x basic annual salary, after 6 months service)
• Income protection (after 3 months service), payable at 75% of basic salary, for up to 5 years (subject to approved claim by insurance provider)
• Private Medical Insurance (after 6 months service), and option to add dependants/family, self-funded by employee.
• Enhanced Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (4% matched contributions)
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts to high street retailers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Events
• Free refreshments, such as, tea and coffee