Group Head of Finance- Didcot, Oxfordshire- £80,000-£90,000- Permanent- ACCA/ACA/CIMA
Overview
IN2 Consult is partnering with a growing, international SME on the recruitment of a hands-on Head of Finance to lead the finance function.
This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality financial reporting, maintaining robust financial controls, and ensuring strong governance across the business.
The successful candidate will take ownership of the month-end reporting cycle, year-end statutory financial statements under IFRS, and the external audit process, while managing a small transactional finance team.
Given the nature of the business, the role requires strong experience in manufacturing or a similar operational environment where complex inventory accounting is a key component of financial reporting.
This role requires someone who has previously operated in a highly disciplined reporting environment, ideally within a PLC or Private Equity-backed organisation, and who is comfortable combining technical accounting expertise with a hands-on operational approach.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
*Own and deliver the monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery.
*Lead the month-end close process, including balance sheet reconciliations and review of key accounting judgments.
*Produce clear and insightful management reporting packs for senior leadership.
*Analyse financial performance and highlight key trends, risks, and variances.
Inventory & Manufacturing Accounting
*Oversee inventory accounting processes, ensuring accurate valuation and reporting.
*Manage accounting for cost of goods sold, inventory movements, and stock provisions.
*Ensure appropriate treatment of manufacturing costs, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods.
*Partner with operational teams to improve inventory control, reporting accuracy, and financial visibility.
Statutory Reporting & Compliance
*Lead the preparation of year-end statutory accounts under IFRS.
*Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and financial reporting requirements.
*Maintain and document accounting policies and procedures.
Audit & External Relationships
*Manage the year-end external audit process from planning through completion.
*Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
*Ensure the finance function maintains strong documentation and audit readiness.
Financial Controls & Governance
*Develop and maintain robust internal controls and financial processes.
*Ensure the business maintains strong financial discipline in line with best practice reporting standards.
Team Leadership
*Manage and develop a small transactional finance team.
*Oversee day-to-day finance operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger processes.
Desired Candidate Experience
*Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
Experience
*Proven experience in a senior finance role within an SME or growing business.
*Strong experience in statutory reporting and IFRS financial statements.
*Experience managing external audits and auditor relationships.
*Experience in manufacturing or a similar sector involving complex inventory accounting (e