Chief Financial Officer

Harper May Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing group in Greater London is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead the finance function and shape long-term strategy. The role requires ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualification and extensive leadership experience in a manufacturing context. The CFO will oversee reporting, drive financial strategy, and manage relationships with stakeholders, ensuring operational excellence and robust financial controls.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in finance.
• Experience advising at Board level.
• Track record of driving operational performance.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership in a manufacturing environment

Strategic acumen

Strong communication skills

Financial controls expertise

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