Interim Financial Controller

Interim Financial Controller
- Northampton (On-site)- 3 to 6 month Contract (Potential for temp to perm)- £400-£500 Per Day- ACCA / CIMA / ACA Qualified

We are supporting a PE-backed manufacturing business in the appointment of an Interim Financial Controller to provide stability, control and hands-on leadership across the finance function during a busy period.

This is a delivery-focused role, ideal for an experienced FC or Finance Manager who is comfortable running the day-to-day finance operation in a lean SME environment and ensuring robust financial control.

The role sits within a small finance team (AP Clerk, AR Clerk, Financial Controller) and will work closely with the CFO, who also oversees a second business with a similar finance structure.

• Own the month-end close process end to end, including management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and journals
• Maintain the General Ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness and strong financial controls at all times
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors, managing audit preparation, schedules and queries
• Oversee VAT returns, corporation tax compliance and statutory reporting, working with external advisors where required
• Ensure controls and processes remain embedded, robust and consistently applied across the business
• Line manage and support the AP and AR clerks, ensuring timely processing, cash collection and supplier payments
• Monitor and improve working capital, including debtors, creditors and cashflow visibility
• Support and facilitate process improvement and automation initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption and continuity
• Provide reliable, timely financial information to support the CFO and wider business
• Collaborate closely with the CFO to ensure consistency of approach across both group entities where relevant

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Proven experience operating at Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager level within an SME or PE-backed environment
• Strong hands‑on background in management accounting, financial control and statutory compliance
• Comfortable working in a lean finance function, with a practical, sleeves‑rolled‑up approach
• Confident running the GL and month‑end without needing strategic oversight or transformation leadership
• Experienced in managing small teams and keeping them motivated, focused and effective
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work at pace and maintain control
• Manufacturing, industrial or operational business experience is desirable but not essential
• Available at short notice or within a short lead time