Interim Finance Director

Interim Finance Director FMCG/Manufacturing Excellent salary, bonus and benefits Commutable from London Hybrid working We are an FMCG / manufacturing SME seeking a hands-on Interim Finance Director to lead a finance transformation during a period of change and growth. Working closely with the Managing Director and senior stakeholders, you will review, redesign, and implement a scalable, insight-driven finance function that supports strategic decision-making, commercial growth, and compliance. For the right candidate, there may be the opportunity to transition into a permanent position.

The Role This is a broad, hands-on leadership role within a stable but growing business. You will be responsible for transforming the finance function into an efficient, robust, and commercially focused operation capable of supporting future growth. You must be a qualified accountant with proven experience as a Finance Director in an SME environment—ideally within manufacturing, FMCG, e-commerce, or retail—bringing strong knowledge of stock, logistics, and supply chain finance. You will have worked with tangible products and understand the financial nuances of supply chain, logistics and stock. You will combine clear strategic vision with a willingness to get into the detail, driving lasting improvement through a collaborative and pragmatic approach.

• Finance Transformation & Strategy: Conduct a full diagnostic of the finance function, including structure, processes, systems, controls, reporting, and capability. Define and deliver a clear finance transformation roadmap aligned to business objectives and growth plans. Redesign finance processes to support international operations.
• Leadership & Team Development: Assess team capability, redefine roles, and establish clear accountability. Coach and upskill the finance team to improve accuracy, ownership, and commercial awareness. Introduce a strong performance rhythm, including KPIs, close timetables, and reconciliations. Build strong relationships across the business, embedding finance as a trusted partner.
• Financial Planning, Reporting & Control: Improve management reporting to deliver timely, accurate MI, dashboards, and forecasts. Strengthen budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and working capital control. Enhance financial controls, month-end processes, audit readiness, and policy compliance (IFRS/GAAP). Manage FX exposure across global sourcing and sales.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Evaluate current accounting and ERP systems, recommending and implementing improvements where required. Reduce manual processes through automation, standardisation, and improved documentation. Introduce consistent approval workflows and expenditure controls. Ensure data integrity across all finance systems.
• Commercial & Strategic Support Partner with the MD to provide insight that supports pricing, investment, and growth decisions. Build robust financial models for scenario planning and investment appraisal.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance Strengthen financial governance, internal controls, and risk management frameworks. Ensure all statutory filings, tax submissions, and audits are completed accurately and on time.

About You You will have the following attributes, skills and experience: Proven SME Finance Director experience in manufacturing, FMCG, e-commerce, or retail. A professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with 5+ years PQE. Demonstrable experience leading finance transformation, process redesign, or systems implementations. Strong expertise in stock, supply chain finance, FX exposure, and multi-currency environments. Advanced financial modelling, forecasting, and commercial analysis skills. Deep understanding of cash flow, working capital, and CAPEX/OPEX planning. Experience leading small teams through change with a hands-on, inclusive leadership style. The credibility to partner effectively with senior leadership, boards, and investors. A pragmatic, change-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail and commercial awareness. Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex data into clear, actionable insight. High integrity, discretion, and a strong sense of ownership. If you feel you're a potential fit, we'd love to hear from you.