Interim Finance Director

Soka Partners; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 111,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Soka Partners is supporting a Manchester-based SME in appointing an Interim Finance Director to lead a critical turnaround. You will own the finance function, stabilise cash, and drive the plan back to profitability.

The role is hybrid, with regular on-site presence in Manchester, and offers a pathway to a permanent Finance Director role for the right candidate. The position requires ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent, strong experience in turnarounds, and the ability to move quickly in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading finance in turnaround, restructuring or distressed environments.
• Strong cash flow management and forecasting skills.

Responsibilities

• Take immediate control of cash with rolling 13-week forecast.
• Lead rapid review of cost base, working capital and margin.
• Produce reliable management accounts, KPIs and board reporting.
• Develop revised budget and business plan to support turnaround.
• Collaborate with CEO and senior team on operational and commercial improvements.
• Strengthen controls, systems and processes; lead finance team restructuring if needed.
• Support refinancing or strategic options as they arise.

Skills

Turnaround leadership

Financial reporting

Stakeholder negotiation

Forecasting

Cash management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Job description

Interim Finance Director | Turnaround Project | Manchester

Location: Manchester (hybrid, with regular on-site presence)

Contract: Interim with the potential to move to a permanent position

Day rate: To be discussed

The opportunity

Our client, a Manchester-based SME, is going through a period of significant financial and operational change and is looking for an experienced Interim Finance Director to lead its turnaround. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the board and investors, you will take ownership of the finance function, stabilise cash, and build a clear, credible path back to sustainable profitability.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable moving quickly, making decisions with incomplete information, and being visible across the business. For the right person, there is a genuine opportunity to transition into the permanent Finance Director role as the business stabilises and moves into its next phase.

Key responsibilities

• Take immediate control of cash, building and maintaining a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast
• Lead a rapid review of the cost base, working capital and margin performance, and deliver a prioritised recovery plan
• Produce reliable, timely management accounts, KPIs and board reporting
• Develop a revised budget and business plan to support the turnaround strategy
• Work with the CEO and senior team to deliver operational and commercial improvements
• Strengthen financial controls, systems and processes
• Lead, support and, where needed, restructure the finance team
• Support any refinancing, restructuring or strategic options as they arise

About you

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in a turnaround, restructuring or distressed environment
• Strong cash management and forecasting skills, with experience of stakeholder and lender negotiations
• Previous experience in an SME or owner-managed or PE-backed business is highly desirable
• Commercially minded, credible at board level, and able to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues
• Resilient and pragmatic, with a track record of delivering results under pressure
• Interested in the possibility of a longer-term, permanent role, and able to start immediately or at very short notice
• Based in, or able to work from, Manchester