A private equity backed precision engineering group, based south of Bristol, is looking for a Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function of its operating company.
We supply machined components into the aerospace and defence supply chain. Following a change of ownership in 2026, we are building the finance capability to match the next stage of the group’s growth. The role also supports a planned transition as the existing Finance Manager moves towards retirement, so there will be a proper handover and time to get under the skin of the business before evolving how the function works.
This is a broad, hands-on role. You will own the monthly close, prepare management accounts, file VAT, run payroll and pensions, and be the senior finance presence for a business of around 30 people. You will also help strengthen cost accounting and margin visibility, using production and operational data to give the business clearer insight into job, product and customer profitability. You will also pick up HR administration and a range of office responsibilities that come with a business this size — variety is part of the job, not an inconvenience.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning the monthly management accounts, VAT returns and payroll end to end
- Developing cost accounting, product costing and customer margin reporting from production data
- Building reliable product and customer margin reporting from our production data
- Managing banking relationships, cash visibility and finance-related queries
- Liaising with external accountants and tax advisers on year-end, tax and statutory matters
- Acting as a finance business partner to the company, supporting better commercial and operational decisions
- Working closely with a supportive, experienced Chief Financial Officer
- Inheriting a thorough handover from a long-serving Finance Manager
What we're looking for:
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or finalist — we will also consider candidates qualified by experience
- Hands-on experience of a month-end close and monthly management accounts
- Payroll and pension administration experience
- Comfort with Sage (or similar accounting software), Excel, and an interest in using AI tools to work smarter
- Ideally, experience in a manufacturing, engineering or other production environment
Why this role:
This is a chance to make a visible difference in a well-invested, ambitious engineering business — not by starting from scratch, but by building on a strong base. You will have genuine ownership of the finance function, the backing to improve how things work, and the support of a great team around you, including an experienced Group CFO and people who know the business inside out. As the group grows, the role can grow with it.
Salary range depending on experience, plus potential to earn a performance-related bonus (discretionary). Permanent, full time, based on site with flexibility once established.
Selection Process
We will be shortlisting applications on an ongoing basis. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a pre-screening interview with a member of the team. Successful candidates will then progress to a final competency-based interview, along with an opportunity to meet the team and learn more about the company.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Have you personally prepared a full set of monthly management accounts in your current or a recent role? (Yes / No)
- Do you have experience running a monthly payroll, including auto-enrolment pension administration? (Yes / No)
- Are you a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or qualified by experience with a track record of running a small finance function end to end? (Yes/No)
- This role is based on site in Clevedon, North Somerset. Are you able to commute to this location daily (to start off, with flexibility once established)? (Yes / No)
Work Location: In person
