Interim Head of Finance

Hitchenor Wakeford Limited; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established engineering SME is seeking a dynamic Head of Finance to take ownership of its finance function. This role offers the opportunity to lead financial operations in a growing business, providing strategic insights and operational leadership. You will work closely with the Managing Director to drive business planning and investment decisions, while also improving processes and managing a finance team. If you're a commercially astute qualified accountant looking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, this position offers genuine growth potential and the chance to shape the financial future of the company.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with strong SME background in finance.
• Proven experience in a number-one finance role with strategic insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of finance including reporting, budgeting, and audit.
• Act as a strategic partner to the MD and contribute to business planning.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Cashflow Forecasting

Budgeting

Strategic Planning

Team Leadership

Risk Management

Process Improvement

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

A rare opportunity to take full ownership of the finance function in a growing, owner-managed SME at the heart of the engineering sector.

We are partnering with an ambitious, privately owned engineering business that is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation. As the company embarks on its next chapter, we are seeking a commercially minded and hands-on Head of Finance to lead all financial operations and support strategic decision-making across the business.

The Business:

• A successful and established SME with a strong market reputation and growing customer base.
• Owner-managed with a clear vision for scaling the business.
• A fast-paced environment that values autonomy, accountability, and impact.

The Role:

As Head of Finance, you will report directly to the Managing Director and operate as a key member of the senior leadership team. You will take full ownership of the finance function, supporting growth through robust financial control, strategic insight, and operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of finance including financial reporting, management accounts, cashflow forecasting, budgeting, and audit.
• Act as a strategic partner to the MD, contributing to business planning, investment decisions, and commercial strategy.
• Improve processes, controls, and systems to support scale-up.
• Develop and maintain KPIs to measure performance and drive business improvement.
• Manage external relationships (banks, auditors, advisors) and oversee compliance and risk management.
• Lead, develop, and grow a small finance team (or establish one if needed).

The Ideal Candidate:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong SME background, ideally in manufacturing, engineering, or related sectors.
• Proven experience in a stand-alone or number-one finance role.
• Commercially astute, with strong financial planning and analysis skills.
• Able to work closely with business owners and bring clarity to financial decision-making.
• Comfortable rolling up sleeves while influencing strategic direction.
• Must be available to start by the end of May 2025.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape and lead finance in a business with genuine growth potential. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real difference, this could be the one.