Finance Manager / Financial Controller

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Director | Recruiting Finance Professionals for Manufacturing Businesses | North West

This is a well-established UK manufacturing business with a long history of producing high-quality, technically engineered products for a global customer base. The company forms part of a large international group that operates several well-known consumer and industrial brands across Europe and the US.

The business is entering a new phase of transformation and integration, under new ownership there’s a clear plan to modernise, streamline, and move towards full self‑sufficiency. The business has recently completed a significant restructure to drive efficiency and align with group standards, supported by the rollout of new systems and reporting processes. With a realistic and achievable budget set, the focus is firmly on strengthening local financial capability, improving management reporting, and driving the site towards profitable growth.

The Finance Manager Job

The Finance Manager job is a key hire to support the business through this next phase. It’s a 12‑month contract covering maternity leave, and you will be responsible for all aspects of site‑level financial management and reporting.

The role covers the full spectrum of management accounting and financial control, producing accurate, timely month‑end accounts (currently WD8), managing audit preparation, supporting budget and forecast cycles, and ensuring the site delivers against its cost and margin targets.

A major part of the role will be to rebuild visibility and discipline within the finance function and bring finance back to the centre of decision‑making. You’ll be working with seven budget holders across operations, helping them understand and manage their numbers, while building confidence in the accuracy and transparency of reporting. You’ll also manage cash flow forecasting and cost control supporting their long‑term strategic vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts
• Lead the month‑end process, including accruals, prepayments, payroll postings, and variance analysis
• Coordinate and review budgets and forecasts with site budget holders, challenging where appropriate
• Manage the annual audit process and liaise with the newly appointed auditors
• Review and maintain standard costing, transfer pricing, and margin performance for the site
• Support the SAP migration project, helping to streamline and automate reporting processes
• Partner with operations and the management team to drive efficiency and cost transparency
• Present financial results to senior stakeholders at Group level

Requirements

• Ideally qualified (but QBE and PQ considered) management accountant or SME finance manager / financial controller, ideally with strong manufacturing finance experience
• Hands‑on and confident producing full management accounts in a standalone or site environment
• Strong Excel skills; any experience with SAP or other ERP transitions advantageous
• Commercially minded, able to challenge and support non‑finance managers
• Adaptable and comfortable in a changing environment where processes are still developing
• Confident communicator who can bridge between a UK site and an international group structure
• Salary: Ideally £50,000 – £55,000 but potentially negotiable beyond if necessary with the possibility of a contract completion bonus.
• Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 – 16:30; Friday 8:00 – 13:30 (flexibility on start and finish times)
• Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays (Christmas shutdown used in allowance)
• Pension: 10% matched contribution
• Location: On‑site only (WFH ad hoc if required)

This is a genuinely interesting opportunity to work within a UK manufacturing business backed by a global brand. You’ll have real ownership, visibility, and the chance to help shape the financial future of a site that’s at the heart of a rapidly growing division. It’s a hands‑on, high‑impact role for someone who enjoys rolling their sleeves up and building structure during a time of transformation.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries

Manufacturing and Accounting

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