Head of Finance & IT

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join our growing business in Hereford. This is a key leadership role offering the chance to make a real impact, influence business strategy and help shape the future of an established engineering, industrial supply and machinery manufacturing business.

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Head of Finance & IT
Hereford, HR2
£55,000 – £60,000, depending on experience
Full-time, Permanent
Seniority: Leadership Team Member
Reports to: General Manager
ESC Trading Ltd is a growing engineering and industrial supply company with a machinery manufacturing division. Based in Hereford, we operate nationwide, working with a wide range of clients, from FTSE 100 companies to small family-run engineering firms. As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced Head of Finance & IT to join our leadership team, taking ownership of our finance function and IT systems as we shape the company's next chapter.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role, based on-site at our Hereford offices. As Head of Finance & IT, you'll sit on the leadership team and play a central part in shaping company strategy, not just managing finance and IT, but influencing the direction of the business as a whole. You'll take full responsibility for financial controls and reporting, producing monthly management accounts and compiling the Board Pack for presentation to the Board of Directors, while also overseeing IT systems and infrastructure to ensure both functions run efficiently and support the company's wider goals.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Sit on the leadership team, contributing to company-wide strategy and decision-making
Act as a trusted advisor to the General Manager on financial and operational matters
Represent finance and IT perspectives in strategic planning, investment decisions, and risk management
Champion a culture of financial discipline and operational efficiency across the business
Finance
Take full ownership of financial controls and reporting across the business
Produce monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Compile and present the Board Pack to the Board of Directors
Lead the finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
Oversee and optimise use of Sage 200 accounting software, ensuring accurate financial records and efficient processes
Own cash flow management and long-term financial strategy
Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements
Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and external advisors
Develop and mentor the finance team, building capability as the business grows
IT & Systems
Oversee the company's IT infrastructure, systems, and software
Manage relationships with IT suppliers, service providers, and software vendors
Ensure data security, backup, and business continuity processes are in place and effective
Lead on system upgrades, integrations, and new software implementations
Develop IT policies and ensure compliance with data protection requirements (e.g. GDPR)
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through better use of systems and technology
About You
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
Significant experience in a senior finance role, with a track record of leadership team or board-level involvement
Experience producing management accounts and board-level reporting is essential
Strong working knowledge of Sage 200 accounting software and understanding of AI and how that can be used across the business.
Experience overseeing IT systems or infrastructure, ideally in an SME environment where IT sits alongside other responsibilities
Strong strategic and commercial acumen, with the ability to influence beyond your immediate function
Experience managing and developing a team
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable operating at leadership/board level
Highly organised, with a hands-on approach and strong attention to detail
What we Offer
Salary of £55,000 – £60,000, depending on experience plus company bonus scheme
Company pension scheme
Private healthcare
22 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
A seat at the leadership table, with genuine influence over company direction
How to Apply
If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents. xrexnqw
You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies, please.
Other suitable skills and experience includes: Finance Director, Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Head of Finance and Operations, Finance and IT Manager, Head of Finance and Systems, Commercial Finance Manager, Group Financial Controller, Head of Business Services, Director of Finance and Operations