Interim Head of Finance

INTERIM HEAD OF FINANCE 6 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT

Salary: £77k (FTE)

We have an exciting hands-on leadership role overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Credit Control and Finance teams. You will ensure robust financial control, regulatory compliance, and timely, accurate financial reporting. You’ll play a key role in financial planning, budgeting, and investment analysis, while also driving improvements in governance, internal controls, and financial systems.

• Financial Control & Compliance:
  
  Ensure all statutory and regulatory obligations are met, including preparation of draft statutory accounts, VAT returns (MTD), HMRC submissions, and industry/government reporting. Lead the year-end audit process and tax analysis.

• Treasury & Credit Management:
  
  Oversee cash flow forecasting, manage banking relationships, and ensure efficient cash handling. Lead the credit control team to enhance collections and minimise bad debt in line with company policy.

• Management Reporting:
  
  Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including reconciliation of milk purchases, production data, sales volumes, and margin analysis. Maintain control over all balance sheet reconciliations and bank statements.

• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  
  Coordinate and support the preparation and consolidation of annual budgets and financial forecasts.

• Pricing & Costing Oversight:
  
  Verify and report on sales system pricing and costing data.

• Team Leadership:
  
  Recruit, train, and develop finance staff, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Payroll & Pensions:
  
  Support payroll operations and pension reporting to ensure compliance with internal and statutory requirements.

• System & Process Improvement:
  
  Enhance financial reporting capabilities and maintain finance systems. Lead internal audits and improve asset management practices.

• Other Duties:
  
  Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Finance Director.

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Minimum 4 years post-qualification experience in a high-volume, transaction-heavy manufacturing environment
• At least 3 years in a senior finance role managing cross-functional teams
• Experience in food, beverage, manufacturing, or distribution sectors is advantageous
• Advanced Excel and BI reporting skills (e.g., Power Pivot)
• Experience with financial system implementation is a plus
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with a practical, hands-on approach