Joe Walton is our UK Director for Manufacturing and Technical Brands at W Talent and is a true ambassador for UK Manufacturing, with 15 years of experience supporting the sector to find exceptional leadership individuals. Following over 13 years working for a corporate organisation where he was instrumental in growing their manufacturing business and delivering a first-class service for his loyal customer base, Joe joined W Talent in February 2024.
Joe has a Degree in Accounting and Financial Management giving him strong business acumen before moving into the Talent environment. Joe is a passionate advocate for adding value to the manufacturing sector which includes speaking at events or hosting round tables to bring manufacturing professionals together to discuss critical talent concerns across the industry and supporting solutions. Joe is focused on creating an authentic consultive service to the industry and growing trusted relationships as a crucial part of his mantra.
Joe is a very proud ‘father of daughters’ and creating memories with his family is the most important thing to him and without a doubt his WHY.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the monthly management accounts process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
- Prepare and review profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, cash flow information and supporting schedules
- Manage month-end and year-end processes, ensuring financial information is complete, accurate and delivered to agreed deadlines
- Analyse financial performance against budget, forecast and prior periods, investigating variances and highlighting key areas of focus
- Monitor manufacturing costs, production expenditure, gross margins and operational performance
- Review inventory, stock valuations and work-in-progress balances, ensuring appropriate financial controls and accurate reporting
- Support product costing, cost allocation and analysis of material, labour and overhead variances
- Work closely with operational and production teams to understand cost drivers, improve financial visibility and support efficiency initiatives
- Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations and ensure appropriate control over key financial accounts
- Oversee the integrity of the general ledger and ensure transactions are accurately recorded
- Support budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management, providing reliable financial information to support business planning
- Monitor working capital, including stock, creditors and debtors, identifying opportunities to improve cash management
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, statutory requirements and internal financial policies
- Coordinate year-end audit requirements and liaise with external auditors and other professional advisers as required
- Oversee VAT reporting and other relevant financial compliance activities
- Review and improve finance processes, reporting procedures and internal controls
- Identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness of financial systems and processes
- Produce meaningful financial analysis and management information to support commercial and operational decision-making
- Provide day-to-day support to the Finance Director, taking ownership of financial matters and escalating significant issues appropriately
- Build effective working relationships across finance, operations and the wider business
- Support the development of a responsive, accurate and commercially focused finance function
