Hours: Part time/full time – hours to be agreed
Salary: TBC dependent on experience (£27k-£29k is a pro rata guide)
Closing date: 11th September 2026
About H&E Smith
H&E Smith Ltd is a long-established British manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, with a specialist reputation for producing high-quality ceramic wall tiles.
We are looking for an experienced and organised person to take ownership of the day-to-day Finance function within our small team.
This is a varied role that will initially focus on the company's Sage 50 accounts function, with responsibilities developing over time to include payroll, banking and wider finance projects.
Following a structured handover, the successful candidate will become the main point of responsibility for the company's finance activities, so we are looking for someone who is confident working independently and taking ownership of their role.
The Role
The successful candidate will take responsibility for ensuring the group’s financial transactions and records are accurate, timely and well controlled, while also looking for opportunities to improve the way the Finance function operates.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing customer and supplier accounts within Sage 50, including sales and purchase invoices, receipts, payments and account reconciliations.
- Maintaining accurate customer and supplier accounts and managing credit control.
- Processing and reconciling banking, PayPal, credit card and petty cash transactions.
- Maintaining accurate financial records using Sage.
- Complete relevant month-end, VAT and year-end accounting processes.
- Processing payroll using TimeMoto and Sage Payroll as this responsibility is introduced.
- Assisting with management information, budgeting and cash-flow monitoring.
- Support with managing company insurance.
- Responding to finance queries from customers, suppliers and colleagues.
- Maintaining appropriate financial controls and audit trails.
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes and make the Finance function more efficient.
A Phased Handover
The role will develop in three stages, allowing for a structured handover and time to become familiar with the business:
Stage 1 – Accounts: Initially focusing on the Sage account’s function, including sales and purchase ledger, invoicing and reconciliations.
Stage 2 – Payroll & Banking: Once established, responsibilities will expand to include payroll, banking and related financial administration.
Stage 3 – Finance Development: The role will then take greater responsibility for developing the Finance function, including KPI reporting, moving towards paperless processes, contract and renewal tracking, and reviewing financial controls to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and cost control.
This gives the successful candidate the opportunity to develop into a key role within the business, ultimately taking ownership of the day-to-day Finance function while helping to develop how Finance operates.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in using Sage 50 Accounts, with a good understanding of customer and supplier accounts, invoicing, payments and reconciliations.
- Ideally experienced in using Sage Payroll, although this is not essential as training will be provided.
- Ideally familiar with payroll procedures and processes, with an understanding of HMRC requirements being advantageous.
- Accurate, organised and able to manage deadlines.
- Comfortable using Excel and spreadsheets.
- Trustworthy and able to handle confidential financial information. (A basic DBS check will be required for the successful candidate, with the cost covered by H&E Smith).
- A good communicator who can work effectively with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
- Not afraid to challenge decisions respectfully and constructively, regardless of seniority.
- Confident working independently and taking ownership of the Finance function, while working closely with the company directors.
What We Offer
- Part-time/ Full Time position – hours to be agreed.
- Salary dependent on experience.
- A structured and gradual handover into the role.
- A varied position with the opportunity to take ownership and develop your responsibilities.
- The opportunity to help shape the Finance function as the role develops.
- The chance to make a genuine contribution to a well-established British manufacturing business.
- Free on-site parking.
- Christmas shut-down period.
- 34 days holiday pro-rata
Pay: £27,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Please upload a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and why you feel your experience and skills would be a good fit for H&E Smith.
Experience:
- Sage 50 Accounting: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
