Head of Finance

Michael Page; Wirral; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Finance for a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing business operating in the UK and France. The successful candidate will build and lead a standalone finance function across both countries, oversee reporting, manage external accounting partners, and ensure compliance with UK GAAP. This role demands a strong understanding of finance, experience in carve-out scenarios, and fluent French due to team interactions. Competitive benefits and flexible salary offered.

Benefits

Flexible salary for the right person

Competitive benefits package

Opportunity to join a fast paced & growing business

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of balance sheets, UK GAAP; French accounting knowledge is a plus.
• Experience in building finance functions or working in carve-out scenarios.
• Fluent French is highly desirable due to local documentation and team interaction.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a standalone finance function across UK and France.
• Oversee financial reporting, controlling, and cash/inventory management.
• Support ERP transition from SAP to Microsoft Dynamics and lead IT strategy.

Skills

Strong understanding of balance sheets

Fluent French

Experience in building finance functions

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

SAP

Job description

This newly created Head of Finance (No 1 UK role) postion will lead the setup of a cross-border finance function for a fast paced, high growth manufacturing business operating in the UK and France. Reporting directly to the CEO, the role involves building standalone reporting, controlling, and accounting systems.

Client Details

The client is a newly carved-out, standalone business in the manufacturing sector, previously part of a larger group. With production sites in both the UK and across Europe, the company is undergoing a strategic transformation-building its own cross-border leadership team, systems, and culture. The leadership is entrepreneurial, agile, and focused on scaling operations independently, with a strong emphasis on cultural integration and operational excellence.

Description

• Build and lead a standalone finance function across UK and France
• Oversee financial reporting, controlling, and cash/inventory management across both sites
• Manage external accounting partners and coordinate with local finance teams
• Support ERP transition from SAP to Microsoft Dynamics and lead finance-related IT strategy
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP (and ideally French standards) and deliver consolidated financial reporting to shareholders
• Contribute to strategic planning as part of a cross-border leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO

Profile

• Strong understanding of balance sheets, UK GAAP (French accounting knowledge a plus)
• Experience in building finance functions or working in carve-out scenarios
• Fluent French is highly desirable due to local documentation and team interaction
• Manufacturing experience is helpful but not essential
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work on-site regularly

Job Offer

• Flexible salary for the right person
• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunity to join a fast paced & growing business at the start of their new journey