Interim Head of Finance

Robert Walters UK; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected organisation in Cardiff is seeking an Interim Head of Finance to oversee all financial operations. This senior role involves preparing timely financial reports, leading month-end processes, and managing budgeting cycles while ensuring compliance with accounting standards. The ideal candidate is fully qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) and has experience in Manufacturing or Logistics. This position is a hands-on opportunity where collaboration with senior leadership is key, offering flexibility in working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial operations and oversight.
• Experience in Manufacturing, Logistics, Distribution, or Construction sectors.
• Ability to lead a small finance team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring compliance.
• Produce detailed financial insights to inform business decisions.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting cycles with departmental teams.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and liaise with auditors.
• Participate in day-to-day accounting operations.
• Develop accurate cash forecasting models for effective capital usage.
• Provide financial guidance to senior leadership.
• Support business planning with commercial financial input.
• Manage the finance team to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Cash flow management

Team leadership

Compliance

Education

Fully qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Interim Head of Finance to join a respected organisation in Cardiff. This senior interim position offers you the chance to take ownership of all financial operations, ensuring accuracy and integrity across the P&L, financial reporting, process improvement. You will be at the heart of decision‑making, providing valuable insight and governance while remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day accounting activities.

The role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands‑on environment and values collaboration with both the finance team and wider business leaders.

As Interim Head of Finance based in Cardiff 2‑3 days per week, you will play an integral role in steering the organisation's financial direction through expert management of all core finance functions.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will encompass everything from preparing comprehensive management accounts to leading critical month‑end processes. You'll collaborate closely with the Managing Director and other Senior stakeholders at Group level during budgeting cycles whilst also overseeing statutory accounts preparation.

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and variance analysis to ensure robust financial oversight.
• Lead month‑end and year‑end close processes while maintaining compliance with relevant accounting standards to guarantee high‑quality financial reporting.
• Produce detailed financial analysis and insights that support regular business performance reviews and inform key decisions across the organisation.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting cycles by collaborating with departmental leads to ensure effective resource allocation and forward planning.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and liaise with external auditors to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance throughout all financial activities.
• Actively participate in day‑to‑day accounting operations such as accounts payable and receivable management, bank reconciliations, fixed asset register maintenance, accruals, prepayments, and general ledger upkeep.
• Monitor daily cash flow management and develop accurate cash forecasting models to optimise working capital usage across the business.
• Partner with senior leadership including Managing Director, Sales Director, and Operations Director to provide financial guidance that supports strategic objectives.
• Support business planning efforts by offering commercial input on pricing strategies, margin analysis, and identifying cost‑saving opportunities for sustainable growth.
• Manage a small finance team by fostering a culture of ownership, accuracy, continuous improvement, coaching staff members, delivering training sessions, and setting clear performance expectations.

Qualifications: Fully qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with Manufacturing, Logistics, Distribution or Construction experience, and availability to start in either December or early January 2026.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.