Finance Manager

About the Business Hawthorn One are delighted to be partnering with our Manufacturing client to secure a Finance Manger job position. Our client is a long-established advanced engineering business that manufactures on site for a diverse mix of customers. With a solid heritage and a reputation built on quality and technical capability, the company operates a modern manufacturing facility equipped with specialist machinery and automated production processes. They are continuously investing in technology, skills, and innovation to support ongoing growth and maintain their position as a trusted engineering partner. About the role This Finance Manager job will report directly to the Managing Director, this is a genuinely hands-on role where you will take full ownership of producing accurate monthly financial information and driving improvements across the financial processes. Working within a small, supportive finance team, you will enjoy a high level of autonomy and the opportunity to get deeply involved in the operational side of the business. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in an SME environment, is extremely hands on across the whole business, enjoys variety, and takes real pride in enhancing systems, controls, and reporting. You will lead the monthly management accounts process end to end, producing P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and insightful commentary for the leadership team. You will prepare budgets, forecasts, and cashflow projections, working closely with operational and commercial colleagues to understand performance and support better business decisions. A key part of the role will involve analysing manufacturing performance, including job costing, materials usage, labour efficiency, and overhead absorption, as well as maintaining accurate standard and actual costing. You will play an important part in reviewing margins, product profitability, and supporting continuous improvement across our costing processes. You will take responsibility for stock-related finance activity, including valuations, investigating variances, and contributing to improvement initiatives that strengthen stock control and overall financial accuracy. As part of the broader finance remit, you will oversee payroll data preparation although the payroll is outsourced, you will complete the preparation for the outsourcing company, support year-end accounts, liaise with external accountants and auditors, and contribute to the development of internal controls, dashboards, and reporting processes that enhance business performance. The role also includes supervising transactional finance work, with the flexibility to step in and process sales or purchase ledger entries where needed. Candidate Requirements We are looking for a an experienced accountant with experience gained in an SME environment. Previous exposure to engineering or a similar manufacturing setting would be highly advantageous. Strong costing knowledge, solid understanding of stock and WIP, and confidence working with ERP/MRP systems. You will bring excellent Excel skills, sharp analytical ability, and the communication skills needed to support and influence colleagues across non-finance teams. A proactive, hands-on mindset and the ability to work independently are key to thriving in this role. Why Apply ? This is an opportunity to step into a highly influential role where your work will genuinely shape the future of the business. If youre someone who enjoys rolling up your sleeves, taking ownership, and making meaningful improvements, youll thrive here. Youll have the autonomy to drive positive change, modernise processes, and build a best-in-class finance function within a supportive SME environment that values your ideas and expertise. With exposure across every part of the operation and the chance to work closely with an engaged leadership team, this role offers real impact, long-term progression, and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a difference day-to-day.TPBN1_UKTJ