About Q Smart
Q Smart is a rapidly growing renewable energy business specialising in heat pump distribution, design, MCS compliance and installer support.
With annual turnover approaching £6 million and a trajectory of growth within the next 12 months of £7–£10 million, we are looking for an experienced, hands-on Finance Manager to take ownership of our internal finance function and help build the financial processes and controls needed for the next stage of our growth.
This is a senior part-time position of 25 hours a week, offering genuine responsibility, autonomy and a flexible five-day working pattern that can accommodate school-friendly hours.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take day-to-day ownership of Q Smart’s finance function.
You will ensure our financial records are accurate and fully reconciled, produce timely management information, maintain oversight of cash flow and working capital, and ensure strong financial controls are in place across the business.
You will supervise and support our existing accounts payable team member while taking direct responsibility for management accounts, accounts receivable, credit control, cash-flow forecasting and financial reporting.
Our statutory accounts, corporation tax return and specialist tax advice will continue to be handled by our external accountant. You will ensure the business remains year-end ready and act as their main finance contact.
Key Responsibilities - Management Accounts and Reporting
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet and cash-flow reporting.
- Complete the monthly finance close to an agreed timetable.
- Provide clear commentary on performance, variances, risks and opportunities.
- Maintain a rolling 13-week cash-flow forecast.
- Support budgeting and financial forecasting.
- Produce useful profitability and commercial analysis for the Managing Director.
Cash, Credit Control and Working Capital
- Maintain oversight of the company's daily cash position and upcoming commitments.
- Take ownership of accounts receivable and the sales ledger.
- Proactively manage aged debt and credit control.
- Review customer credit limits, payment terms and new credit-account applications.
- Escalate outstanding debts and recommend appropriate recovery action.
- Review and prepare supplier payment runs.
Financial Control and Compliance
- Maintain a fully reconciled balance sheet each month.
- Ensure bank, VAT, payroll, pension, debtor, creditor and other control accounts are accurately reconciled.
- Maintain appropriate accruals, prepayments and supporting schedules.
- Prepare, review and submit VAT returns.
- Coordinate and review payroll, pensions and employee expenses.
- Maintain clear audit trails and appropriate financial controls.
Accounts Payable
- Supervise and support the existing accounts payable employee.
- Review supplier reconciliations, aged creditors and payment commitments.
- Ensure appropriate purchasing, invoice approval and supplier controls are maintained.
Year-End and External Accountancy
- Keep the accounting records in a year-end-ready position throughout the year.
- Prepare year-end schedules, reconciliations and supporting information.
- Provide a complete and organised year-end file to the external accountant.
- Act as the main point of contact for accounting queries and ensure year-end adjustments are correctly recorded.
Processes and Improvement
- Review and improve existing finance processes and controls.
- Establish clear procedures and approval levels across purchasing, payments, invoicing, credit control and customer accounts.
- Identify and improve the quality and timeliness of financial information across the business.
- Help develop the finance systems and controls required to support growth toward £10 million turnover.
About You
We are looking for someone who is comfortable taking genuine ownership of an SME finance function while remaining hands-on with the detail.
You will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Finance Manager, Company Accountant, Management Accountant or Financial Controller.
- Experience within an owner-managed SME or similarly fast-moving business.
- Proven experience producing complete monthly management accounts.
- Strong knowledge of balance-sheet reconciliations, VAT, accruals and prepayments.
- Experience managing accounts receivable, credit control and accounts payable.
- Experience preparing cash-flow forecasts and management reporting.
- A good understanding of payroll and associated reconciliations.
- Strong Excel and accounting software skills.
- The confidence to work independently and directly with the Managing Director.
- A practical, commercial approach and willingness to remain hands-on.
Experience within SME, stock or project-based businesses would be advantageous but is not essential.
Qualifications
We are open-minded about professional qualifications.
You may be:
- AAT qualified;
- ACCA or CIMA part-qualified;
- Fully qualified; or
- Qualified by experience.
Practical SME finance experience, commercial judgement and the ability to take ownership are more important to us than a particular qualification.
What We Offer
- £54,000–£60,000 full-time equivalent salary.
- An autonomous position with genuine responsibility.
- 25 hours per week across five days.
- Flexible, and school-friendly working hours.
- Company pension.
- Supportive, entrepreneurial working environment.
- Direct involvement with the Managing Director.
- The opportunity to shape and improve the finance function of a growing £6m+ business.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV together with a short covering note outlining your relevant SME finance experience, current availability and preferred working hours.
Pay: £33,750.00-£37,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
