About Us
Autajon is a family-owned industrial group where each employee is a “Connected Entrepreneur.” With a strong international presence and over 4,000 employees globally, we specialise in delivering innovative, sustainable packaging solutions across luxury goods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Simply Cartons and Simply Luxe, based in Nottingham, form part of the Autajon Group’s UK operations. Together employing around 200 people, they provide high-quality, sustainable and bespoke packaging solutions to premium and luxury brands. Finance plays a central role in supporting the continued growth and development of the business.
Following a period of organisational change, the business has renewed its focus on modernisation, culture and continuous improvement. We are looking for candidates who share this outlook.
To support our ambitious plans, we are looking for a proficient and driven Finance Manager to take responsibility for our small, transactional finance team. We are looking for an individual who can not only embed strong financial controls but also possesses a genuine interest in automation and the modernisation of finance processes to improve efficiency.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity for someone who is either qualified or qualified by experience (QBE), with the personality, energy, and passion to make a real impact; working in an exciting environment as we prepare to move into newly renovated premises.
Duties
- Develop and implement comprehensive financial management strategies to support organizational objectives
- Oversee financial accounting processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies
- Lead financial planning efforts, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to inform strategic decision-making
- Manage accounts payable functions, ensuring timely processing of invoices and payments
- Drive cost control initiatives to maximize efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditures
- Provide leadership to finance teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement
- Prepare detailed financial reports for senior management, highlighting key metrics and actionable insights
Key Responsibilities
Team Management:
· Oversee daily financial operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all core processes
· Optimise processes in Sage & Priority accounting systems.
· Supervise, mentor, and develop transactional finance team members
Ledger Control:
· Manage banking activities, including reconciliations
· Oversee the preparation and processing of customer invoicing on a regular basis, ensuring timely and accurate billing
· Oversee purchase ledger activities, ensuring supplier transactions are processed effectively
· Manage credit control processes to optimise cash collection and reduce risk
· Review and reconcile payroll-related financial data on a monthly basis
Reporting:
· Ownership of the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
· Prepare accurate monthly management accounts & balance sheet reconciliations in line with international group deadlines.
· Manage timely & accurate ONS & VAT submissions
· Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
· Work closely with UK Finance Director to regularly review reporting.
Compliance & Audit:
· Support with external audit processes, coordinating required information and documentation
· Assist with year-end processes and preparation of statutory financial statements
Continuous Improvement:
· Build and maintain strong internal relationships across departments
· Identify opportunities to improve financial controls and drive operational efficiencies
· Drive improvements within the finance function, moving away from manual and paper-based processes by automating manual transactional workflows and modernising financial reporting tools.
· Assist with system developments, including the transition from Sage 50 to Sage X3
Candidate Profile
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE with strong relevant experience
- Previous experience in a Finance Manager or Senior Management Accountant role
- Experience within manufacturing or a similar environment is advantageous
- A strong, proactive personality – someone who will challenge the status quo and drive change
- Ambitious and motivated, with a desire to progress and make a tangible impact
- Comfortable working in an environment where processes are still developing
- Demonstratable interest and passion for financial automation, improving systems, processes, and modernising ways of working
- Experience managing or mentoring a small team
- Strong Excel skills and general systems literacy
Benefits
- 35 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Opportunity to work out of a newly renovated, modern working environment.
- The stability and resources of a highly successful international parent group.
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Free On-site Parking
- Opportunity to join a growing international business with strong career development potential
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
