Interim Finance Director | Turnaround Project | Manchester
Location: Manchester (hybrid, with regular on-site presence)
Contract: Interim with the potential to move to a permanent position
Day rate: To be discussed
The opportunity
Our client, a Manchester-based SME, is going through a period of significant financial and operational change and is looking for an experienced Interim Finance Director to lead its turnaround. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the board and investors, you will take ownership of the finance function, stabilise cash, and build a clear, credible path back to sustainable profitability.
This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable moving quickly, making decisions with incomplete information, and being visible across the business. For the right person, there is a genuine opportunity to transition into the permanent Finance Director role as the business stabilises and moves into its next phase.
Key responsibilities
- Take immediate control of cash, building and maintaining a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast
- Lead a rapid review of the cost base, working capital and margin performance, and deliver a prioritised recovery plan
- Produce reliable, timely management accounts, KPIs and board reporting
- Develop a revised budget and business plan to support the turnaround strategy
- Work with the CEO and senior team to deliver operational and commercial improvements
- Strengthen financial controls, systems and processes
- Lead, support and, where needed, restructure the finance team
- Support any refinancing, restructuring or strategic options as they arise
About you
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience as a Finance Director or senior finance leader in a turnaround, restructuring or distressed environment
- Strong cash management and forecasting skills, with experience of stakeholder and lender negotiations
- Previous experience in an SME or owner-managed or PE-backed business is highly desirable
- Commercially minded, credible at board level, and able to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues
- Resilient and pragmatic, with a track record of delivering results under pressure
- Interested in the possibility of a longer-term, permanent role, and able to start immediately or at very short notice
- Based in, or able to work from, Manchester
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