Head Of Finance

Head of Finance / Finance Director Designate

Location: Reading

Salary: Competitive + Performance Bonus

We're seeking an ambitious and commercially minded finance leader to join a growing UK manufacturing business as Head of Finance, with a clear pathway to Finance Director.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants more than just reporting numbers. You'll take ownership of the entire finance function, work directly with the Managing Director and Board, and play a key role in shaping the future of the business.

The successful candidate will lead financial reporting, cashflow management, forecasting, compliance, KPI reporting and commercial analysis, while driving process improvement, systems modernisation and the development of a scalable finance function.

You'll also gain exposure to acquisition activity as part of an ambitious buy-and-build growth strategy.

About You

Ideal candidates may currently be a Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant or Finance Business Partner with strong SME experience and a desire to progress into a Finance Director role.

ACA, ACCA, CIMA or exceptional qualified-by-experience candidates are all encouraged to apply.

The Opportunity

The business has ambitious growth plans, including a buy and build acquisition strategy that will create significant opportunities for the right individual.

You will work closely with the Managing Director and Non Executive Chair, helping to provide the financial insight, controls and infrastructure needed to support both organic growth and future acquisitions.

Finance today performs the core functions well. Finance tomorrow needs to become a strategic driver of business performance.

Your role will be to help us get there.

Key Responsibilities

You will have responsibility for the full finance function, including:

• Monthly management accounts production
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Cashflow forecasting and management
• General ledger management
• Sales ledger
• Supplier payment runs
• Payroll administration
• VAT and statutory compliance
• Balance sheet reconciliations
• Budgeting and forecasting
• KPI reporting and business performance analysis