MacKenzie King are delighted to be partnering with Howarth of London, on a retained basis, in the search for their next Finance Manager. Based in London, Howarth of London has built an international reputation over more than 75 years as a leading woodwind instrument manufacturer and retailer. Best known for crafting some of the world’s finest oboes, the business combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing techniques and supports musicians worldwide through its specialist retail, rental and repair services.

Due to continued growth and development, Howarth of London is looking to appoint a commercially minded Finance Manager to lead the finance team in this newly created role. This is an opportunity to take ownership of the finance function's reporting and analysis capabilities while partnering with senior stakeholders to support decision-making and business performance.

Reporting across the business and working closely with senior leadership, the Finance Manager will play a key role in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and analysis. The successful candidate will provide meaningful insight into business performance while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and financial processes.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Preparing monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
• Conducting variance analysis and providing commentary on financial performance.
• Defining and monitoring key performance indicators.
• Developing dashboards, reports and financial models to support decision-making.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning activities.
• Partnering with department heads and non-finance stakeholders to provide financial guidance and improve financial understanding across the business.
• Delivering profitability, pricing and cost analysis to support operational performance.
• Driving process improvements, automation and digital transformation initiatives within finance.
• Supporting external audits and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications and experience

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Experience in management accounting.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and familiarity with UK GAAP.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• A proactive, inquisitive approach with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• An understanding of woodwind instruments would be beneficial, although not essential.

MacKenzie King has been exclusively retained by Howarth of London to manage this appointment. If you are a qualified finance professional looking for a broad and commercially focused leadership opportunity within a highly respected specialist business, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Stephanie at MacKenzie King.

Reference: 887664