Head of Finance

Momentum Executive Solutions Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Momentum Executive Solutions Ltd are recruiting an experienced Head of Finance for a European-owned manufacturing business based in Southampton. The role leads the finance function, driving performance, efficiency and growth across international operations.

You will partner with operations leadership and European finance to deliver robust reporting, insightful commercial analysis and strong financial controls while supporting pricing, investment decisions and business development.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with proven senior finance leadership experience.
• Background in manufacturing and cost/control mindset.
• Experience with international/European-owned businesses is advantageous.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting skills.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Produce monthly management accounts, financial analysis and performance reports.
• Provide commercial insight and collaborate with MD and operations leadership.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, margins, overheads and operating expenditure.
• Drive cost control, working capital and cash flow improvements.
• Oversee financial controls, compliance, statutory reporting and audits.
• Support pricing decisions, investment appraisals and business development initiatives.
• Develop and improve financial processes, systems and reporting capabilities.
• Work with European parent company and group finance stakeholders.
• Develop and mentor the finance team to be high-performing and commercially focused.

Skills

Financial leadership

Commercial acumen

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder communication

Costing & margin analysis

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Job description

Momentum has been assigned by a European-owned industrial manufacturing business based in Southampton to recruit an experienced and commercially focused Head of Finance.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an international manufacturing organisation who have a broad mix of customers across different market sectors. We will take responsibility for the finance function and playing a key role in supporting business performance, operational efficiency, and future growth.

Working closely with the Operations Director (Site Director) as well as the European Head of Finance and wider finance team, the successful candidate will provide financial leadership, robust reporting, and meaningful commercial insight, ensuring the business maintains strong financial controls while identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Produce monthly management accounts, financial analysis, and performance reports.
• Provide commercial insight and work closely with the Managing Director and operational leadership team.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, margins, overheads, and operational expenditure.
• Drive improvements in cost control, working capital and cash flow management.
• Oversee financial controls, compliance, statutory reporting, and audit requirements.
• Support pricing decisions, investment appraisals, and business development initiatives.
• Develop and improve financial processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.
• Work closely with the European parent company and group finance stakeholders.
• Support and develop the finance team, ensuring a high-performing and commercially focused function.

Profile of candidate

• Ideally, weare looking for a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) who combines strong technical accounting knowledge with a hands‑on, commercially focused approach.
• Experience in a senior finance leadership position, such as Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Finance Director.
• A background in manufacturing is a must
• Strong management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting experience.
• A good understanding of standard costings, stock, inventory, and gross margin analysis.
• Experience working with international or European-owned businesses would be advantageous.
• The ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge and influence operational decisions.
• A proactive approach to improving processes, controls, and business performance.

Candidates who currently live within a commutable distance to the plant or candidates who are committed to relocating after a period of time will be considered for this opportunity. You must also have extensive experience of working within a manufacturing environment.