Finance Team Lead, Leeds

Role Overview
As the primary finance partner to site operations, you will be responsible for budgeting, capital tracking, inventory control, costing, and monthly close activities. You will lead and oversee the work of two team members, delivering clear and concise financial insights to senior management. This role requires a balance of strong technical expertise in cost accounting and forecasting, combined with proactive and pragmatic business partnering. You will also independently identify and implement opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and present monthly manufacturing results, providing clear explanations of financial performance
• Manage standard and actual costing processes, including inventory and accruals reconciliation
• Own the site budgeting process and rolling forecasts, including variance analysis and actionable recommendations for plant leadership
• Lead CAPEX financial management, including business case development, tracking spend vs. budget, and validating realized benefits
• Monitor and analyze key inventory metrics such as inventory turns, scrap, and obsolescence, ensuring strong data integrity within the ERP system
• Provide day-to-day guidance to team members by setting priorities, reviewing deliverables, and supporting their development

• Strong communicator with the ability to translate operational data into clear financial insights for senior stakeholders
• Proactive, self-driven, and capable of working independently while identifying practical improvements
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in manufacturing finance or cost accounting
• Prior experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating a small team
• Advanced proficiency in SAP S/4HANA, Excel, and Power BI, with the ability to navigate ERP costing modules and MRP data
• Professional qualification is required (ACCA or CIMA)

• Experience with JD Edwards (JDE)
• Professional certification (CPA, CMA) or MBA

• Accurate and timely financial close with clear variance explanations
• Reliable budget and forecast accuracy
• CAPEX execution aligned with plans
• Improved inventory efficiency (higher turns, reduced scrap and obsolescence)

• Lead a small, on-site finance team
• On-site presence expected, with one day per week remote working option