Interim SME Finance Manager
Overview
Here at Hays, we are partnering with a growing SME in Gloucester to recruit an experienced Interim Finance Manager to support the finance function during a period of transition. This hands-on role will lead a small transactional finance team, ensure timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts, and support the Finance Director with year-end audit preparation and wider finance initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage, support, and develop a transactional finance team of three (AP/AR/Payroll).
- Oversee daily transactional processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong financial controls.
- Review, enhance, and streamline finance processes to drive efficiency across the function.
- Prepare full monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments, balance sheet reconciliations, and P&L analysis with insightful commentary.
- Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, providing financial insight to the Finance Director and wider leadership team to aid decision making.
- Assist with preparation for the year end audit, including schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and responding to auditor queries.
- Contribute to ad hoc projects, analytical work, systems improvements, and broader finance initiatives as required.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Management Accountant, or similar role.
- Strong technical accounting skills (SME experience preferred).
- Confident managing and developing small finance teams.
- Hands-on and adaptable, comfortable working in a varied SME environment.
- Experience preparing full management accounts and supporting audits.
- Strong Excel and systems capability.
- Professional qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) is advantageous but not essential.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
#