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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support strategic decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing business.
- Company: Join a privately owned manufacturing company in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, focused on growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hands-on role with opportunities for professional development and impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a senior leadership team shaping financial strategy and driving business performance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in manufacturing or SME environments.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage underrepresented talent to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an Interim Head of Finance to join a dynamic, privately owned manufacturing business based in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. This is an immediate opportunity for an experienced finance professional to step into a pivotal, hands-on role during a key phase of the company’s journey.
About the Role:
As Interim Head of Finance, you will take ownership of the day-to-day financial operations while also playing a critical role in supporting commercial decision-making. Reporting directly to the Directors, you’ll be a key member of the senior leadership team, helping to shape the business's financial strategy and ensuring robust financial controls are in place. This is not just a number-crunching role – we’re looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves, get stuck into the detail, and provide clear commercial insight to drive business performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts and year-end processes
- Drive improvements in financial systems, processes, and reporting
- Partner with operational and commercial teams to analyse performance and profitability
- Support strategic planning, pricing decisions, and cost management initiatives
- Manage and develop a small finance team
What We’re Looking For:
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with strong post-qualification experience
- Previous experience in a manufacturing or product-based environment is preferable
- A hands-on approach – happy to get involved in the detail while also thinking strategically
- Strong commercial acumen – able to turn numbers into meaningful business insights
- Experience in a privately owned or SME environment would be a plus
- Available to start at short notice
Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.
Interim Head of Finance employer: Rutherford Briant
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Briant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their financial performance, recent developments, and challenges they face. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in finance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or provided strategic insights that drove business performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills. As you'll be managing a small finance team, be prepared to discuss your approach to team development and how you've successfully led teams in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, particularly in manufacturing or product-based environments. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and any hands-on roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your ability to provide commercial insights and improve financial processes.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this role involves managing a small finance team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Highlight any instances where you have successfully led teams or projects, especially in a finance context.
Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Provide specific examples in your application that showcase your ability to turn financial data into actionable business insights. This could include past experiences where your analysis directly influenced strategic decisions or improved profitability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford Briant
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As an Interim Head of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in detail. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed these areas.
✨Emphasise Your Hands-On Approach
This role requires someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the details. During the interview, highlight instances where you've taken a hands-on approach to problem-solving or process improvement. This will show that you're not just a strategic thinker but also someone who can execute plans effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Insight
The company is looking for someone who can turn numbers into meaningful business insights. Prepare to discuss how you've used financial data to influence commercial decisions in previous roles. Share examples of how your insights have driven performance and profitability.
✨Prepare for Team Management Questions
As you'll be managing a small finance team, expect questions about your leadership style and team development strategies. Think about how you've successfully led teams in the past, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will help convey your capability to manage and develop others effectively.
