Overview

Handley James Chemical is partnered with a growing, flexible and driven chemical manufacturing business based in North Yorkshire. We are seeking a commercially astute, strategically minded Head of Finance to join their leadership team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced finance professional who can combine sharp analytical skills with the ability to influence and inspire across all levels of the business.

As the most senior member of the finance function, you’ll work closely with the Managing Director, senior management, and departmental heads to embed financial insight into decision-making at every stage. From strategic planning and margin analysis to investment appraisal, you’ll help shape the commercial direction of the company.

You’ll also lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement. Externally, you’ll represent the business with professionalism and credibility in dealings with auditors, tax advisers, and financial partners.

Base pay range

c£70,000 - £80,000 per annum; benefits; flexible and hybrid working.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead business-wide financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Provide commercial insight to drive pricing, margin, and profitability decisions.
• Oversee compliance, audit preparation, and financial governance.
• Enhance reporting systems, dashboards, and KPIs for better decision-making.
• Manage and develop the finance team to achieve operational excellence.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders to support strategic and operational goals.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with a recognised UK Accountancy Body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong understanding of financial regulations, systems, and processes.
• Significant finance leadership experience in an SME environment, ideally in manufacturing, food production, agriculture, or similarly fast-paced sectors.
• Proven expertise in management accounting, including budgeting, forecasting, board-level reporting, margin analysis, and financial modelling.
• Demonstrated success in financial transformation—implementing controls, process automation, KPI frameworks, and system improvements.
• Skilled in stakeholder management, including auditors, banks, HMRC, and external advisers.
• Experienced people manager, with a track record of leading Finance Managers and developing junior staff.
• Proficient in finance systems with advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent leadership, influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to inspire, empower, and motivate employees.
• Strong organisational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Tenacity, drive, and determination to deliver results.
• Willingness to challenge established processes and drive change.
• Confident communicator, able to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.

In return our client is offering c£70,000 - £80,000pa, benefits, flexible and hybrid working.

If this role is of interest, please click the link to apply or contact Stuart Tomkinson directly.

Job details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Finance and Management
• Industries: Staffing and Recruiting