Interim Finance Controller – Manufacturing SME Leader

Morgan McKinley; England; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus up to 15%

Pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Job summary

An interim/contract Financial Controller is sought by a privately owned SME in Bedfordshire. The role leads a finance team of four, partners with the SLT, and drives commercial and operational performance across the business. It is offered on a 6-month contract, with pay up to £80,000 per annum or £450 per day Inside IR35.

The role covers financial control, costing, business partnering, cash flow, planning, and system controls, with a focus on margin expansion and strategic financial modelling.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Experience in manufacturing/ FMCG sectors preferred.
• Proven track record as a finance leader in SME environment.
• Deep knowledge of standard costing, BOM, stock valuation, and FRS reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, variance analysis, board packs, statutory reporting, and year-end audit liaison.
• Oversee standard costing, product profitability, gross margin analysis, COGS, BOM, inventory control, and WIP accounting.
• Partner with operations, Project Management, and Plant Managers to optimise efficiencies and drive margin expansion.
• Manage working capital strategies, 13-week cash flow forecasts, and banking relationships.
• Drive annual budgeting, rolling reforecasts, and financial modelling to support SME growth.
• Lead and develop a small finance team of 4 people.
• Continuously evaluate internal controls, ERP capability, and automated reporting workflows.

Skills

Fully qualified accountant

Commercial finance partnering

Leadership/mentoring

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

Standard costing

BOM

Stock valuation

FRS reporting standards

Job description

An interim/contract Financial Controller is sought by a privately owned SME in Bedfordshire. The role leads a finance team of four, partners with the SLT, and drives commercial and operational performance across the business. It is offered on a 6-month contract, with pay up to £80,000 per annum or £450 per day Inside IR35.

The role covers financial control, costing, business partnering, cash flow, planning, and system controls, with a focus on margin expansion and strategic financial modelling.