We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to join a high-growth manufacturing and eCommerce business in West Cumbria.

Working closely with the Managing Director/Owner, this is a pivotal leadership role with real influence. You will take ownership of the finance function, providing strategic insight, driving performance, and implementing meaningful financial measures as the business continues its rapid expansion—particularly into international markets.

This role requires a strong background within manufacturing, alongside the ability to introduce structure, visibility, and commercially focused reporting—ultimately enabling the business to scale profitably with a clear focus on EBITDA.

Our Client

A dynamic and scaling manufacturing and eCommerce business with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Experiencing significant growth across UK and international markets, the business supplies products through multiple channels including direct-to-consumer and retail.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, overseeing day-to-day operations and managing a small team (2 staff)
• Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
• Deliver clear, commercially focused reporting with meaningful analysis to support decision-making
• Partner closely with the Managing Director to drive profitability and business performance, with a key focus on EBITDA
• Design and implement KPIs and performance metrics across the business (production, margin, stock, efficiency)
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes aligned to ambitious growth plans
• Provide insight into product costing, margins, and operational performance
• Identify cost efficiencies and margin improvement opportunities across manufacturing and supply chain
• Oversee cashflow management and working capital optimisation, including stock and inventory control
• Take a proactive lead on R&D tax credits—identifying qualifying activities and opportunities within the manufacturing process
• Identify and support applications for relevant grants and funding
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, including audit coordination
• Build strong relationships with external accountants, advisors, and auditors
• Mentor and develop the finance team

About You

• Fully qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Head of Finance within a manufacturing environment (essential)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing finance, including:
  • Bill of materials (BOMs), components, and product costing
  • Inventory and stock control
  • Project costing and margin analysis
• Demonstrable experience introducing KPIs, improving reporting, and driving performance visibility
• Commercially minded, with the confidence to challenge, influence, and bring forward ideas to the Managing Director
• Proactive approach—able to identify opportunities (particularly around R&D and efficiencies) ahead of the curve
• Hands-on, with the ability to operate both strategically and at detail level
• Strong technical grounding in financial reporting and controls
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems
• Adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, growing business

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary up to £90,000
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• 3% employer pension contribution
• Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexibility around start and finish times

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a number one finance role within a growing and ambitious manufacturing business. You’ll play a key role in shaping how the business measures success, drives profitability, and scales internationally—working in close partnership with an engaged and entrepreneurial Managing Director.

We’re working with a well-regarded organisation in West Cumbria to appoint a Finance Officer, a key role supporting the Finance Manager and wider team in delivering accurate, timely, and insightful financial information.  The current employee is retiring in May.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build on existing finance experience in a varied, hands-on role with real responsibility and development potential.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience c£30,000)
• 34 hours per week (full-time), worked across 4 or 5 days
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Exceptional holidays - 30 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing with service up to a maximum of 35 days + bank holidays
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Private Health Care, Sickness Pay & Access to a wider benefits package
• Working in a modern working environment, employee focused, small & friendly team

The Role

You’ll play a central part in the day-to-day running of the finance function, supporting across transactional finance, reporting, and process improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing purchase and sales invoices, bank transactions, and reconciliations
• Preparing supplier payment runs and issuing customer statements
• Supporting credit control activities across the group
• Assisting with monthly management accounts (including control account reconciliations)
• Maintaining accurate financial records using systems and Excel
• Preparing VAT returns
• Supporting payroll processing and ensuring accuracy
• Contributing to continuous improvement of finance processes

This is a broad, all-round finance role—ideal for someone who enjoys variety and being part of a collaborative team.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive, and keen to develop.

You’ll likely have:

• Experience working within a finance team
• Strong Excel skills (including formulas, VLOOKUPs, pivot tables)
• Good attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence communicating with colleagues across the business
• Experience with finance systems (Xero desirable)

Desirable (but not essential):

• AAT qualification (or studying)
• Payroll experience
• Exposure to property or multi-entity environments

The Opportunity

• Work within a supportive and collaborative finance team
• Gain exposure across all areas of finance
• Be part of an organisation with a strong regional mission
• Ongoing development and training encouraged

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accounts payable professional who enjoys improving processes, supporting colleagues, and ensuring the smooth running of a busy finance operation.

The Role

As Accounts Payable Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the accounts payable function, ensuring invoices and payments are processed efficiently and accurately while maintaining strong financial controls.

You will also play a key role in developing the team and supporting the wider finance department with reporting and month-end activities.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting a small accounts payable team

• Ensuring supplier invoices are processed accurately and payments are made on time

• Monitoring and improving accounts payable procedures and internal controls

• Liaising with internal departments to resolve invoice queries or discrepancies

• Producing accounts payable reports and analysis for senior finance colleagues

• Supporting the month-end and year-end finance processes

• Contributing to continuous improvement within the finance function

• Coaching and developing team members

About You

The successful candidate will bring solid accounts payable experience along with the ability to organise workloads, manage priorities and support colleagues effectively.

You will likely have:

• Experience in an Accounts Payable Supervisor or Manager role

• Strong understanding of purchase ledger processes and financial controls

• Experience managing or mentoring a small team

• Good working knowledge of accounting systems and finance software

• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across the business

The Opportunity

• Salary in the region of £35,000 - £40,000

• Hybrid working - 3 days office / 2 WFH

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Free on-site parking

• Various other health and well being offerings

• Opportunity to join a large, well-established organisation

• A stable role within a supportive finance team

Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy of financial information across the Group, producing high-quality consolidated reporting, and supporting the ongoing development of financial processes and controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, timely consolidated Group financial information

• Produce weekly flash reporting for shareholders

• Conduct monthly balance sheet reviews and reconciliations across all Group entities

• Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to accounting processes and controls

• Review and challenge cash flow forecasts prepared across the business

• Maintain and document robust financial procedures

• Collate and support Group budgeting and forecasting cycles

• Act as a main point of contact for external auditors

• Support a range of ad hoc projects and business initiatives

• Adhere to internal HSE procedures and reporting requirements

About You

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or qualified by experience

• Strong technical accounting skills, ideally with group or multi-entity experience

• High attention to detail and strong analytical mindset

• Confident communicator able to collaborate across multiple departments and locations

• Excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving

• Comfortable supporting process improvement and change projects

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• 40-hour working week with consistent daytime hours

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions after 12 months

• Access to electric vehicle charging points (subject to availability)

• A range of additional employee benefits, including:

  • Continuous Professional Development

  • Cycle to Work Scheme

  • Long Service Awards

  • Employee Discounts

  • Life Assurance

  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

If you're a motivated Financial Accountant looking for a role where you can add value, shape processes, and work across a supportive Group environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact me directly for a confidential conversation.