Job Description

At GNAW, we make great quality, premium chocolate, have impeccable ethical sourcing and sustainability credentials, and are launching even more fantastic product innovation to delight our customers and consumers.

We are a professional chocolate manufacturing business, based in Norwich and are very much in the growth phase of our brand journey and are currently looking for a full-time Head of Finance to join our small, but dedicated team.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced

Head of Finance

to take full ownership of the finance function at Gnaw Chocolate Limited, leading financial management, reporting, payroll oversight, and control while supporting strategic business decisions.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial management and accounting, with exceptional leadership and organisational skills. Working closely with the Managing Director, business owners, and external accountants, the Head of Finance will play a key role in financial planning, analysis, and operational support, using Sage 200 Professional as the core system for all financial reporting and control. You should have extensive experience managing end-to-end finance in an SME environment and confident in taking full responsibility for the company's financial management, ready to progress into a broader leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Financial Leadership

Lead the company's financial management, planning, and reporting in line with strategic objectives. Provide financial insight and analysis to support commercial and operational decision-making. Develop clear and timely management information, KPIs, and dashboards using Sage 200 data. Partner with the Managing Director to assess risks, opportunities, and business performance. Support strategic projects, investment planning, and financial improvement initiatives.

Financial Management and Reporting

Oversee all day-to-day financial operations, including ledgers, reconciliations, payroll, and cash flow. Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, P&L, and balance sheet reports from Sage 200. Produce annual budgets and rolling forecasts, supporting departmental heads to manage and control budgets effectively. Take ownership of the year-end process, including audit preparation and liaison with external accountants. Ensure all financial records are accurate, compliant, and maintained to professional standards.

Financial Control and Compliance

Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE, and other statutory requirements. Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time, ensuring all reconciliations are complete and compliant. Manage cashflow forecasting, banking relationships, and working capital. Drive efficiency and process improvement within Sage 200 to enhance reporting and accuracy. Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all financial data within the system.

Business Partnering and Commercial Insight

Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Marketing and Purchasing to provide financial support and challenge. Analyse customer, product, and channel profitability to guide business decisions. Support costing, pricing, and stock valuation activities through Sage 200 analysis. Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance colleagues.

Leadership and Team Development

Lead and develop the Finance and Payroll team, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and professional growth. Provide guidance, coaching, and support on Sage 200 processes and best practice. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and ownership within the team. Represent Finance at management meetings and contribute to wider business planning, holding departmental heads accountable for budgetary performance.

Essential Criteria

Educated to A-Level standard or above Significant experience managing all aspects of a finance function within an SME environment (typically 5+ years). AAT Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience. Hands-on experience using Sage 200 (or Sage 50) for management accounts, ledgers, and reporting. Practical experience of preparing year-end accounts and working with external accountants or auditors. Excellent understanding of cashflow management, VAT, payroll, and financial compliance. High level of proficiency in Excel and data analysis. Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and commercial awareness. Ability to interpret and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues. Commercially astute and proactive, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Hands-on and adaptable, comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels. Collaborative and approachable, fostering strong relationships across teams. Supportive and empowering leadership style. High integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality when handling financial information.
This is a hands-on, office-based role, (Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, 08:30 - 17:30), ideal for someone who enjoys being at the heart of the business and wants to make a visible impact in a growing, creative company.

Salary 42-45k.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Gnaw Chocolate Limited is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Benefits include;

Enhanced holiday entitlement Free on-site parking Company Pension Scheme Staff discounts on our products Offers and discounts through our online HR system
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 42,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount On-site parking
Work Location: In person