We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Finance Manager to lead the company's finance function and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of all financial operations. The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day accounting activities, banking, payroll, VAT compliance, stock accounting, supplier payments, and the production of timely management accounts. This role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to provide financial insight to support business growth and strategic decision-making.
This person needs to be hard working, enthusiastic, good team player, can communicate at all levels with customers/suppliers and from MD to shop floor workers and is a good organiser as well.
This is a full-time permanent role, of 40 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Prepare accurate monthly Management Accounts, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow reports.
- Prepare and post month-end journals, including accruals, prepayments and other adjustments.
- Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and investigate variances.
- Manage cash flow, prepare forecasts and monitor working capital.
Banking & Treasury
- Manage all company banking activities and assist with banking relationships.
- Complete daily and monthly bank reconciliations.
- Authorise, action and monitor company payments.
- Monitor cash balances and ensure sufficient liquidity for business operations.
VAT, Customs & Compliance
- Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time.
- Manage Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) and ensure correct accounting treatment.
- Reconcile and review Customs Declaration Service (CDS) statements for imported goods.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and all statutory financial reporting requirements.
Payroll
- Oversea payroll with external supplier
Purchase Ledger & Supplier Payments
- Oversee the purchase ledger function.
- Review supplier invoices and resolve payment queries.
- Prepare and authorise supplier payment runs.
- Reconcile supplier statements and maintain positive supplier relationships.
Stock & Inventory Accounting
- Maintain a strong understanding of stock valuation and inventory accounting.
- Monitor stock movements and reconcile inventory to financial records.
- Analyse stock variances and work closely with purchasing and warehouse teams to ensure inventory accuracy.
- Support periodic stock takes and implement robust stock controls.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
- Support senior management with financial planning and strategic decision-making.
Financial Controls & Audit
- Develop and maintain strong financial controls and procedures.
- Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for year-end audit.
- Liaise with external accountants, auditors and HMRC when required.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiencies.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA, AAT qualified or qualified by experience.
- Proven experience in a Finance Manager or senior accounting role.
- Strong knowledge of UK VAT legislation, including Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) and Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
- Experience producing monthly Management Accounts.
- Excellent understanding of accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Strong knowledge of supplier payments, banking and cash flow management.
- Good understanding of stock accounting and inventory control.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience using accounting software such as Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, SAP or similar, if you have a knowledge of Iris Exchequer would be an advantage
- Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
- Experience within manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or import/export environments.
- Experience managing or mentoring finance staff.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proactive and able to work independently.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Professional, trustworthy and committed to maintaining confidentiality.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, £45K
- Company pension.
- 25 days plus bank holidays annual leave entitlement.
- Hybrid working potential
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
