Head of Finance

ATS Automation Tooling Systems; Edenbridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Edenbridge is seeking a proactive Head of Finance to manage their finance operations and team. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 1-3 years of post-qualification experience. This role involves ensuring robust financial reporting, compliance, and managing a small team. Employees enjoy generous leave, private medical insurance, and a bonus scheme based on performance.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Private Medical Insurance

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Onsite Parking

Bonus Scheme

Qualifications

• 1-3 years PQE in finance roles.
• Hands-on experience in an SME environment.
• Technical grounding in payroll and intercompany processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage finance operations and team.
• Lead month-end close and reporting processes.
• Ensure project accounting accuracy.

Skills

Team Leadership

Management Accounts

VAT Compliance

Strong Communication

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

ERP Software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Head of Finance to lead our finance operations and team. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the finance function, ensuring robust reporting, compliance, and support to the wider business. This role is ideally suited to a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 1-3 years PQE who is eager to take ownership of an SME finance team within Manufacturing and play a key role in driving process accuracy and financial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage and develop a finance team of three, ensuring effective delivery of daily finance tasks; provide coaching, support, and cross-cover across the team where required.
• Month-End & Management Reporting: Lead the month-end close process, delivering accurate and timely management accounts; prepare and submit monthly reporting to the international parent company, including intercompany reconciliations and reporting.
• Project & Inventory Accounting: Partner with Operations to ensure accurate project accounting, including revenue recognition, WIP and Deferred Income; support inventory management processes and ensure integrity of project costs.
• Compliance & Control: Prepare quarterly VAT returns; manage payroll in conjunction with HR and Sales Director, including P11D reporting; maintain strong financial controls, ensuring accuracy in day-to-day postings and reconciliations.
• Business Partnering & Ad-Hoc Support: Collaborate with stakeholders across Operations, Sales, and the wider business; support the Finance Director with analysis, ad-hoc tasks, and strategic initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), ideally 1-3 years PQE.
• Experience in an SME environment; manufacturing or project-based business desirable.
• Hands-on approach with willingness to get involved across different areas of the business.
• Strong technical grounding in management accounts, VAT, payroll, and intercompany processes.
• ERP experience preferred; JD Edwards desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage a small team.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Private Medical Insurance for peace of mind.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme to support your future.
• Onsite Parking for easy commuting.
• Bonus Scheme linked to both company and personal objectives.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a broad, hands-on finance leadership role in a growing SME environment. You will gain exposure to global trading, project-based accounting, and parent-company reporting, while developing your leadership skills under the guidance of the Finance Director.