Job Title: Contract Head of Finance

Location: Kent (Hybrid - occasional office visits)

Duration: Long-term, 3 days/week

Employment Type: Contract (Outside IR35)

Role Overview:

One of my engineering clients in Kent is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance to lead their financial operations. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team on a part-time basis, providing critical oversight and guidance to support ongoing growth and stability.

The Head of Finance will be responsible for managing the company’s financial health, ensuring robust accounting practices, and driving business insights to support strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will have a strong background in business and accounting, comfortable working within an ERP accounting platform environment (specific ERP experience is not required). This role offers a flexible 3-day workweek with occasional visits to the office.

Purpose of the Role:

To lead and oversee all financial operations of the business, ensuring robust financial planning, accurate reporting, and effective control of company finances to support strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Reporting

• Lead the preparation of the company’s annual budget.
• Develop and update a rolling three-year Mid-Range Financial Plan.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts, initially in collaboration with external accountants.
• Prepare and submit the quarterly VAT returns.
• Coordinate the preparation of year-end accounts and ensure timely readiness for the statutory audit.

Financial Control & Analysis

• Monitor costs and profitability, providing insight and advice against budget and forecasts.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and management to ensure liquidity and financial health.
• Ensure all control accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis.
• Reconcile major purchase ledger accounts to supplier statements each month.
• Monitor and maintain accurate stock and work-in-progress (WIP) records.
• Reconcile the Goods Received Not Invoiced (GRNI) ledger regularly.
• Maintain clean and accurate general ledgers, ensuring all accounts are reconciled and up to date.

Operational Finance

• Oversee and manage credit control processes.
• Support data entry and transactional processes during peak periods.
• Process and review employee expense claims.
• Maintain comprehensive and compliant accounting records.
• Liaise directly with customers and suppliers as needed to resolve finance-related queries.

Team Leadership

• Line manage and provide direction to the Financial Controller and Finance Assistant.
• Prioritise team tasks to ensure efficient and effective delivery of finance functions.