Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Head of Finance | Manufacturing | Permanent | Salary to £90,000 plus bonus + Benefits

Robert Half is delighted to be partnering with an established and successful manufacturing business to recruit a Finance Controller. This is a key, autonomous position reporting directly to the Head of Accounting, offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take ownership of financial reporting, controls, compliance and business performance.

This is a challenging and varied role where no two days will be the same. You will play a central role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the company's financial information, while partnering with senior stakeholders to drive financial performance and continuous improvement.

Experience within a complex manufacturing environment is essential.

The Role

As Finance Controller, you will lead the company's financial activities and oversee the controls, processes and reporting frameworks that underpin the Finance function.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the month-end management accounts process, ensuring group deadlines are met and all balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled.
• Preparing accurate P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting for management.
• Producing monthly board reports, providing insightful commentary on business performance.
• Leading the annual budgeting and forecasting process, coordinating timelines and challenging assumptions.
• Monitoring and analysing budget variances and identifying opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Acting as a trusted finance business partner to departmental heads, challenging costs and driving accountability.
• Developing, embedding and continuously improving financial policies, controls, processes and procedures.
• Identifying and leading finance systems and process improvements to increase efficiency and reporting quality.
• Managing purchase ledger and sales ledger activities, ensuring strong credit control and supplier payment processes.
• Driving working capital improvements, including challenging inventory levels across both sites.
• Overseeing cash flow and payments, reviewing forecasts and ensuring appropriate cash availability.
• Leading year-end audit activity and working closely with external auditors and tax advisers.
• Overseeing VAT, Plastic Tax, EPR, PAYE, P11D and Corporation Tax processes and ensuring all statutory obligations are met.
• Ensuring compliance with UK legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Working closely with the Group payroll team to ensure payroll accuracy and deadlines are achieved.
• Coaching, developing and supporting the Finance team to improve performance and capability.
• Providing financial leadership across the wider business and taking ownership of ad hoc finance projects.

About You

We are looking for a confident, commercially minded Finance Controller who can operate autonomously while building strong relationships across the business.

You will ideally bring:

• A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or significant relevant experience.
• Proven experience of management accounts, monthly P&L reporting, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting.
• Previous experience managing or coordinating external audit processes.
• Essential experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, policies and compliance frameworks.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to challenge existing processes and identify practical improvements.
• Strong analytical and data-handling skills, with confidence using financial systems and Excel.
• Advanced Excel skills, including PivotTables and VLOOKUPs; experience with macros would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with a coaching-led approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence senior colleagues.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take a high-impact role within an established manufacturing business, working closely with senior leadership and having genuine influence over financial performance, controls and continuous improvement.

If you're an experienced Finance Controller looking for your next challenge and have a strong manufacturing background, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now to find out more.

#FinanceController #FinancialController #FinanceJobs #AccountingJobs #Manufacturing #ManufacturingJobs #ManagementAccounts #FinanceLeadership #ACA #ACCA #CIMA #RobertHalf