Chief Financial Officer

Harper May; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing group in Bishop's Stortford is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead the finance function and shape its long-term direction. The role requires deep strategic input, financial oversight, and strong leadership in a manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include driving financial strategy, managing compliance, and mentoring the finance team. Ideal candidates will be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with a proven track record in financial leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership within a manufacturing or product-led environment.
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen, experience advising at Board level.
• Excellent technical knowledge of accounting and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, overseeing reporting, controls, and compliance.
• Drive financial strategy and support long-term planning and decision-making.
• Manage relationships with banks, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Operational finance oversight

Budgeting and forecasting

Compliance and reporting

Commercial insight

Team management

Strong communication skills

Systems improvement

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Job description

Our client is a well-established and forward-thinking manufacturing group with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence. As they enter their next stage of growth, the business is seeking a strategic and commercially focused Chief Financial Officer to lead the finance function and help shape the long-term direction of the company.

Role Overview

The CFO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for driving financial strategy, improving performance, and ensuring robust financial controls. This is a hands‑on leadership role, combining high‑level strategic input with close oversight of operational finance, reporting, and governance across a multi-site manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, overseeing reporting, controls, compliance, and team management

• Drive financial strategy and support the CEO and Board with long‑term planning and decision‑making

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning processes across the group

• Provide commercial insight on pricing, cost management, capex, and operational efficiency

• Oversee statutory reporting, audit, and regulatory compliance requirements

• Manage relationships with banks, auditors, tax advisors, and other external stakeholders

• Support investment appraisals, capital expenditure decisions, and project finance

• Drive improvements in systems, reporting tools, and financial processes

• Develop and mentor the finance team, building capability to support business growth

Candidate Profile

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with extensive post‑qualified experience

• Proven leadership within a manufacturing or product‑led environment is essential

• Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with experience advising at Board level

• Excellent technical knowledge of accounting, controls, and compliance

• Track record of improving systems and driving operational performance

• Confident communicator with the ability to lead and influence across departments

• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, hands‑on leadership role