Finance Manager
Location: Ascot, Berkshire – Full time-Hybrid working -4 days in the office, 1 WFH
Reports to: Head of Finance and Operations
Direct reports: Three part-time team members: Assistant Accountant, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
Role Overview
Acting as No.2 to the Head of Finance, the Finance Manager will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring accurate reporting, robust financial controls and effective cash flow management. This hands-on role combines operational finance, business partnering and the leadership of a small finance team.
Key ResponsibilitiesDay-to-Day Finance Operations
· Take ownership of the daily running of the finance function.
· Ensure core processes, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, payroll and journals, are completed accurately and on time.
· Maintain oversight of transaction processing and provide hands-on support where required.
· Update and issue daily and weekly sales reports
· Resolve issues quickly and proactively to prevent delays or errors.
Month-End Close and Reporting
· Lead the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
· Prepare monthly management accounts with clear supporting analysis.
· Own key reconciliations, including bank, balance sheet, intercompany, accruals and prepayments.
· Deliver concise variance analysis.
· Prepare monthly commissions for approval
· Calculate quarterly customer incentives
· Preparation and submission of both UK and Irish VAT returns.
· Assist in the preparation of the annual budget
Cash and Working Capital Management
· Monitor the daily cash position and manage short-term cash flow.
· Drive collections activity and maintain tight control over receivables.
· Oversee supplier payments and optimise payment cycles.
Team Management
· Directly manage, support and develop a team of three part-time finance colleagues.
· Provide day-to-day guidance, review work and ensure a consistently high quality of output.
Processes and Controls
Maintain strong financial controls across all finance activities, with a focus on consistency, accuracy and continuous improvement.
· Identify inefficiencies and implement practical process improvements.
· Standardise and document finance processes.
· Ensure data accuracy and integrity across finance systems.
Operational Finance Support
· Work closely with operational teams to support day-to-day business activity.
· Provide practical financial input on costs, margins and performance.
· Support cost control and operational decision-making.
Audit and Compliance
· Lead the year-end audit process and statutory reporting.
· Ensure compliance with internal controls, VAT requirements and relevant regulations.
· Maintain accurate, audit-ready financial records.
Key Skills and Experience
· Qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
· Proven experience in an SME.
· Strong technical accounting and financial reporting skills.
· Experience managing or supervising a small team or someone looking to take the first step up to a management position.
· Advanced Excel skills. Sage X3 experience would be beneficial but not essential.
Personal Attributes
· Proactive self-starter with a practical, hands-on approach.
· High attention to detail and accuracy.
· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ascot, Berkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Post qualification : 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- ACA/ACCA/CIMA (Either one or equivalent) (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ascot (Berkshire)
