Interim Manufacturing Accountant

Interim Manufacturing Accountant, ideally qualified with the potential of a permanent opportunity

Role Purpose
Serve as the finance lead for manufacturing operations-owning production cost analysis, inventory and stock accounting, monthly operational performance reporting, and additional financial control activities. Partner with Unit Managers, Planning and Supply Chain teams to translate operational activity into actionable financial insights, drive process improvements, and ensure accurate, timely information flows into the ERP and general ledger.
Key Responsibilities Finance & Reporting

Perform actual vs. standard production cost variance analysis, providing explanations and corrective actions, and ensure accurate posting into the ERP.

Own inventory/stock accounting and balance sheet reconciliations in line with statutory requirements.

Prepare and analyse monthly operational results; work closely with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to explain production performance variances.

Ensure all manufacturing financial and management information (transactions, KPIs, insights) is captured accurately and on time.

Develop and implement stock-checking policy, including controls, cadence, and remediation actions.

Deliver ad-hoc analysis and decision support as required by the Head of Finance.

Monthly freight and duty accruals.

Monthly rebate and commission journals and reconciliations.

Monthly ad hoc journals as required.

Run monthly stock revaluation and ensure accuracy.

Monthly tank reconciliations for production and inventory control.

Act as first lead for audit, coordinating requirements and responses.

Approve payments on the bank portal in line with delegated authority.

Produce and review KPIs and monthly reports for operational and financial performance.

Process stock movements and ensure correct accounting treatment.

Carry out two internal audits per year to validate compliance and controls.

Work closely with other departments to ensure the timely closure of ledgers.

Joint supervision of an accounts assistant

Business Partnering & Performance

Partner with Unit managers to quantify the financial impact of operational performance and improvement initiatives.

Support and develop business performance through targeted financial analysis and KPI reviews.

Lead and influence process improvements in inventory control, accuracy, and data processes across manufacturing.

Promote financial literacy across operations-using numbers to inform decisions and drive accountability.

Person Specification

Previous manufacturing experience is essential.

Highly numerate with excellent attention to detail.

Strong Microsoft Office computer skills.

Experience of company-wide integrated finance systems is essential (e.g., SAP, Oracle, IFS, Microsoft Dynamics AX/Great Plains).

Experience of business partnering and using numbers to inform decisions.

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.
#