Head of Finance

Manufacturing | Permanent | Competitive Salary + 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

• 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 analyzing 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.