The Oval Partnership

A well-established SME manufacturer and supplier of consumer goods is now seeking a Head of Finance to join the management team. Annual turnover c£11M with 50 FTEs onsite. We are looking for a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to ensure accounting accuracy as they are sitting at the table helping to plan our client s next phase of growth. This isn t just a "number-crunching" role. The Head of Finance will be a qualified specialist who can bridge the gap between technical accounting and business strategy. With 2 direct reports, you will be the MD s right-hand person, taking ownership of the company s financial health today while helping architect their growth for tomorrow. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership : Act as a commercial partner to the MD, providing insights that drive profitability and long-term business planning. Financial Oversight : Take full ownership of the P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow. Modernise the reporting to provide "real-time" clarity on performance. Process Modernisation : Review legacy processes and implement modern, automated solutions where necessary to improve scalability. Budgeting & Forecasting : Lead the entire annual budgeting process and develop robust cashflow forecasting models to ensure liquidity and operational efficiency. Commercial Partnering : Provide detailed project costings and financial modelling for new initiatives, investments, and operational projects. International & Operations : Manage FX transfers and currency risk exposure for international transactions. Team Management : Lead and mentor two Finance Assistants, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in daily operations. External Relations : Act as the primary point of contact for the external accounting firm, bank, and auditors. About You We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented leader who isn t afraid to roll up their sleeves to establish new processes. Qualified : You should be a professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, or CIMA). Experience : You have a background in financial analysis, budgeting, and cashflow planning ideally within a manufacturing or SME environment. Communicator : You can translate complex financial data into clear, practical insights for non-finance stakeholders and influence at a senior level. Technical Proficient : You possess high-level Excel and financial modelling skills and are comfortable implementing or optimising ERP systems. Commercial Flair : You understand working capital management and the nuances of FX in a global supply chain.