Interim Head of Finance - Engineering & Manufacturing
Location: On-site / Hybrid (UK-based manufacturing environment)
Contract Type: Interim / Fixed-Term Contract (3-12 months)
Day Rate / Salary: Competitive - dependent on experience and scope
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Finance to provide immediate leadership within an engineering/manufacturing business. The role will support the organisation through a period of operational focus, growth, system improvement, or change, ensuring strong financial control, accurate reporting, and commercially focused insight across production, supply chain, and operations. This role requires a hands‑on finance leader with a deep understanding of manufacturing cost structures, margins, and operational drivers.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Control
- Lead the finance function, ensuring strong financial governance and control
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations including AP, AR, payroll, and cashflow
- Ensure timely production of accurate monthly management accounts
- Maintain robust balance sheet control, including stock, WIP, and accruals
Manufacturing & Operational Finance
- Full ownership of product costing, standard costing, and variance analysis
- Manage and report on WIP, stock valuation, and inventory controls
- Partner with operations and production teams to improve efficiency and margins
- Analyse labour, material, overhead absorption, and yield
- Support pricing, quoting, and margin analysis for engineered products
Reporting, Compliance & Governance
- Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance (VAT, PAYE, corporation tax)
- Prepare information for year-end accounts and audits
- Liaise with auditors, banks, funders, and external advisors
- Improve reporting visibility across manufacturing KPIs
Commercial & Strategic Support
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and rolling forecasts
- Deliver cashflow forecasting and working capital optimisation
- Provide commercial insight to support capital investment decisions (CapEx)
- Support funding, refinancing, or investor reporting where required
Change & Transition
- Stabilise the finance function during periods of change or growth
- Lead or support ERP / finance system improvements or implementations
- Strengthen finance processes and controls within a manufacturing setting
- Mentor and develop the existing finance team
- Ensure a smooth handover to a permanent Head of Finance or FD
Key Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience as an Interim Head of Finance / Financial Controller / Finance Director within engineering or manufacturing
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in manufacturing finance, including stock, WIP, and costing
- Advanced Excel skills and strong financial modelling capability
- Experience partnering closely with operations and production teams
- Hands‑on, pragmatic approach with strong attention to detail
Desirable
- Previous interim or turnaround experience
- Experience in SME, PE‑backed, or owner‑managed manufacturing businesses
- Exposure to ERP systems (eg SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Sage, NetSuite, EFACS, Epicor)
- Experience supporting CapEx projects, automation, or process improvement
- Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments
Personal Attributes
- Commercially focused with an operational mindset
- Comfortable on the shop floor as well as in the boardroom
- Calm, credible, and decisive under pressure
- Able to deliver impact quickly in a fast‑paced environment
Start Date
Immediate or short notice preferred
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