Talent Guardian are delighted to be supporting our client, an established and successful consumer goods business based in Bedfordshire, with an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Finance to join on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded, hands-on finance professional who can step into a senior position, take ownership of the finance function and ensure business continuity throughout the maternity cover period.
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you''ll play a key role in overseeing day-to-day financial operations, delivering accurate financial reporting and providing valuable commercial insight to support business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cash flow reports.
• Manage payroll, VAT, purchase and sales ledgers, and credit control.
• Maintain robust financial controls, reconciliations and compliance.
• Oversee stock reporting, inventory and working capital management.
• Manage international supplier payments, including foreign currency transactions.
• Partner closely with senior leadership, providing financial insight and commercial support.
• Ensure a smooth handover and continuity throughout the fixed-term maternity cover contract.

About You
We''re looking for an experienced finance professional who is confident, adaptable and comfortable rolling up their sleeves.

Ideally, you''ll have:

• Previous experience as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller or in a similar senior finance position.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management experience.
• A hands-on approach, with the ability to manage the full finance function.
• Experience within manufacturing, retail, distribution or consumer goods.
• Knowledge of stock management, international suppliers and foreign currency transactions.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders.
• A recognised accountancy qualification would be advantageous.

What''s on Offer?

• £75,000 per annum (pro rata)
• Full-time, fixed-term maternity cover contract
• Mid-January to the end of June
• The opportunity to take ownership of a varied finance function within an established consumer goods business.
• A collaborative working environment with exposure to senior leadership.

This position would particularly suit an experienced Head of Finance or Financial Controller who is available for a fixed-term opportunity and enjoys making an immediate impact.

Interested?
If you''re an experienced finance professional looking for your next fixed-term contract or maternity cover opportunity, we''d love to hear from you.