Interim Finance Manager

Heidi Wright Recruitment Limited; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing organisation in Carlisle is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. Responsibilities include leading finance operations, preparing month-end management accounts, and providing financial insights to management. Ideal candidates will have an accounting qualification and substantial experience in a commercial finance role. The position offers competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to influence business growth.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Company pension contribution: 3%

Smooth onboarding with 3-4 weeks handover

Qualifications

• Experience managing bank activities and financial reporting.
• Ability to present financial information to non-finance colleagues.
• Proven track record of improving financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations.
• Prepare month-end management accounts.
• Monitor performance against budget.

Skills

Proactive finance professional

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Advanced Excel skills

Attention to detail

Education

Recognised accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA)

3+ years in commercial finance

Tools

Sage 50

Job description

Overview

January 2026 – December 2026

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager to join a well-established and growing organisation for a 12-month maternity cover contract. Working within a dynamic commercial environment known for its quality, innovation and continuous improvement, you will play a central role in ensuring strong financial control and supporting strategic decision-making.

Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Group CFO, this position offers genuine exposure, autonomy and the chance to influence business performance during a key period.

The Role

As Interim Finance Manager, you will lead day-to-day finance operations and deliver accurate, insightful financial reporting. Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing month-end management accounts and presenting results to the MD and Group CFO
• Producing month-end schedules, journals and management reporting
• Managing bank activity, purchase ledger, sales ledger and VAT returns (Sage 50)
• Overseeing WIP, balance sheet reconciliations and project cost plans
• Producing financial information for board packs and conducting KPI, commentary and variance analysis
• Leading the annual budgeting process and supporting regular forecasting for Group
• Supporting year-end audit activity and wider Group finance requirements
• Assisting with tender estimates, appraisals, procurement and supply chain cost control
• Monitoring performance against budget and driving process improvements across the business
• Delivering utilisation, efficiency and hours reporting to the production team
• Managing one direct report, providing guidance, development and support

About You

We’re looking for a confident, proactive finance professional who can hit the ground running and add real value from day one. You will ideally have:

• A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) or be nearing qualification
• QBE candidates with strong experience will also be considered
• At least 3 years’ experience in a commercial finance or financial management role
• A hands-on approach, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work at pace
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to present financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Strong attention to detail, analytical ability and advanced Excel skills
• A track record of supporting business growth, improving financial processes or enhancing commercial outcomes

Salary & Benefits

Salary depending on experience and qualification

• 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Company pension contribution : 3%
• Full-time, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (30-minute lunch break)
• Office-based, West Carlisle – own transport essential
• 3–4 week handover provided for smooth onboarding