Head of Finance

Pratap Partnership Ltd; Thorne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A successful SME group in the UK is seeking a Head of Finance to lead financial governance and streamline processes. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing and possesses strong technical and commercial acumen. This role offers a competitive salary package of £65,000 – £70,000, providing a unique opportunity to work closely with senior management and shape the finance function.

Qualifications

• Experience in an SME environment, ideally manufacturing or product-based.
• Strong technical grounding combined with commercial acumen.
• Comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.
• Experience with costing and trade finance would be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Full financial governance across two trading businesses.
• Preparation of monthly management accounts and board packs.
• Hands-on responsibility for core finance processes.
• Lead and evaluate the finance team.
• Drive improvements through automation with a focus on Sage 200.

Skills

Financial governance

Costing processes

Sage 200

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Tools

Sage 200

Job description

The Opportunity

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Head of Finance to join a successful SME group of businesses. With combined turnover in excess of £6m and further growth projected, the business is looking for a hands-on finance leader to take ownership of financial governance, streamline processes, and support the senior management team in driving performance.

This is a rare role for a commercially focused finance professional who enjoys being in the detail, but also influencing decision-making at board level.

Key Responsibilities

• Full financial governance across two trading businesses, working closely with the MD and Group Finance Director.

• Preparation of monthly management accounts, board packs, and attendance at board meetings.

• Hands-on responsibility for core finance processes, including journals, reconciliations, and occasional invoice postings.

• Review and improve costing processes.

• Lead and evaluate the finance team, quickly assessing resource requirements and implementing changes where necessary.

• Oversee intercompany transactions and contribute to group cashflow management.

• Support the MD as a commercial partner – including contract costing, financial analysis, and client-facing discussions where appropriate.

• Drive improvements through automation, with a particular focus on Sage 200 and streamlining reporting.

• Manage relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, and consultants.

• Help prepare the business for a potential sale in the near future through robust reporting, controls, and process enhancements.

About You

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with experience in an SME environment, ideally manufacturing or product-based.

• Strong technical grounding combined with commercial acumen.

• Comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.

• Experience with costing, trade finance, invoice discounting, and Sage 200 would be highly advantageous.

• Naturally proactive, detail-orientated, and capable of building strong working relationships at all levels.

Why Apply?

• Lead finance across two growing SME businesses.

• Work directly with an ambitious MD and Group FD.

• Shape and improve the finance function – from systems to staffing.

• Competitive salary package of £65,000 – £70,000.

• Be part of an exciting journey as the business prepares for its next stage of growth.