Interim Finance Director

Four Squared Recruitment Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Finance Director to stabilize and advance financial operations for a multi-entity international group in the United Kingdom. This role involves providing strategic financial direction, overseeing reporting, and leading a core finance team during a transitional period. Candidates should have significant experience at the Finance Director level within an international manufacturing organization and a relevant accounting qualification. This assignment is an initial 6-month contract with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Significant experience at Finance Director level in international manufacturing.
• Strong grounding in multi-entity operations and financial leadership.
• Proven track record in leading teams through transitions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the group finance function during a transition.
• Oversee consolidated reporting and budgeting across all units.
• Drive financial efficiency and assess cost-optimisation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Financial oversight

Cost accounting

Operational performance analysis

Strategic planning

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Overview

A senior interim leadership position responsible for stabilising, overseeing, and advancing the financial operations of a multi-entity international group. This role provides strategic financial direction to the European head office while ensuring strong coordination with the wider global organisation. The Interim Finance Director will lead a core finance team of approximately 10 direct reports, with broader oversight of a dispersed European finance community. The assignment is initially for 6 months, with potential for extension based on project needs and organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Group Financial Management

• Provide immediate, experienced leadership to the group finance function during a period of transition or increased business demand.
• Advise senior leadership on financial performance, commercial opportunities, and risk areas.
• Support strategic planning, investment decisions, and group-wide priorities.

Financial Reporting & Governance

• Oversee consolidated reporting across all business units, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and performance management processes.
• Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, and audit readiness across multiple jurisdictions.

Operational & Manufacturing Finance

• Provide expert oversight of manufacturing finance, including cost accounting, margin analysis, inventory, and plant performance.
• Partner with Operations to drive financial efficiency, support productivity programmes, and evaluate operational improvements.
• Assess capital expenditure, production changes, and cost-optimisation initiatives.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, mentor, and stabilise a team of approx. 10 finance professionals.
• Ensure clarity, structure, and prioritisation during the interim period.
• Build cohesion across the wider European finance community and enhance cross-functional collaboration.

Commercial & Strategic Projects

• Support commercial decision-making around pricing, customer profitability, and contract evaluation.
• Lead or contribute to ongoing transformation initiatives, systems enhancements, integrations, or restructuring.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting tools, and operational visibility.

Experience & Qualifications

• Significant experience operating at Finance Director or equivalent senior level within an international manufacturing organisation.
• Strong grounding in group financial leadership, consolidation, and multi-entity operations.
• Proven track record of leading teams through periods of transition, transformation, or rapid change.
• Expertise in cost accounting, plant finance, and operational performance analysis.
• Professional accounting qualification preferred (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Ability to quickly build credibility, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver impact within a short-term assignment.