Group Head of Finance

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