Head of Finance in Manchester

Our client is a highly respected engineering contractor with more than 60 years of industry experience. With operations across the UK, the business has built an excellent reputation for quality, reliability and technical expertise. They are now seeking a qualified Head of Finance to lead the finance function and support the next stage of the company’s development.

The opportunity

This is a broad, hands‑on leadership role combining financial reporting, operational finance and commercial support. You will take ownership of the company’s core financial activities, ensure strong financial control and provide the analysis and insight needed to support business decisions. The organisation is also planning significant improvements to its finance systems and processes. You will play a central role in delivering this transformation, introducing more efficient ways of working and strengthening the information available to senior management.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare quarterly management accounts and year-end accounts, including accruals, prepayments and provisions
• Provide financial analysis and insight to support senior management and business planning
• Lead budgeting, cash-flow management and financial forecasting
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements
• Oversee VAT reconciliations, CIS returns, PAYE, National Insurance and year-end P11Ds
• Manage the weekly cash book and monthly bank reconciliations
• Oversee payroll, employee expenses and company vehicle records
• Provide leadership and oversight across sales ledger, purchase ledger and payroll
• Act as the senior point of contact for nominal coding, VAT and other technical accounting queries
• Oversee subcontractor verification and retention releases
• Lead improvements to finance systems, processes and reporting

About you

You will be a qualified accountant—ACA, ACCA or CIMA—with experience in a senior, hands‑on finance role. You will also bring:

• Strong financial and management accounting experience
• Experience of leading or improving finance systems and processes
• A sound understanding of tax, payroll and statutory compliance
• Strong Sage Accounts and Sage Payroll knowledge
• The ability to combine attention to detail with broader commercial thinking
• A proactive approach and the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders
• Experience within construction, engineering or a related contracting environment would be highly advantageous

Why apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of the finance function within a successful, established and growing business. The position offers genuine autonomy, visibility with senior leaders and the opportunity to shape the company’s financial systems, processes and future decision-making.