Interim Finance Manager

Heidi Wright Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established finance firm in the UK is seeking an Interim Finance Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. This role involves leading day-to-day finance operations and delivering insightful financial reporting. Candidates should have a recognized accounting qualification and at least 3 years' commercial finance experience. Benefits include competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and a company pension contribution. The role is office-based in West Carlisle with essential own transport required.

Benefits

30 days annual leave including bank holidays

Company pension contribution: 3%

3-4 week handover provided for smooth onboarding

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in commercial finance or financial management.
• Proactive finance professional with ability to add value from day one.
• Hands-on approach with ability to work at pace.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations and deliver accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare month-end management accounts and present results.
• Manage bank activity, purchase ledger, sales ledger, and VAT returns.
• Oversee WIP, balance sheet reconciliations, and project cost plans.
• Produce financial information for board packs and conduct analysis.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and support regular forecasting.
• Support year-end audit activity and wider finance needs.

Skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Advanced Excel skills

Attention to detail

Education

Recognized accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) or nearing qualification

QBE candidates considered with strong experience

Tools

Sage 50

Job description

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