We are seeking a hands-on, commercially aware Finance Manager to lead day-to-day financial operations and support strategic decision-making. This role requires strong technical finance skills, the ability to work closely with manufacturing, operations and sales, and a proactive mindset to improve systems, reporting, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities:

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Financial Planning & Analysis

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Lead the budgeting and forecasting process across departments

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Provide regular financial performance reports and insightful analysis to senior leadership

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Monitor key financial KPIs, margins, and cost structures to drive profitability

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Month-End & Financial Reporting

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Own the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting

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Prepare management accounts with variance analysis and commentary

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Support statutory reporting and year-end audit preparation

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Team Management & Development

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Supervise, mentor, and support a small finance team of two

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Review and improve transactional processes (AR, AP, payroll, bank recs)

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Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

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Monitor cash flow daily, and produce short- and long-term cash forecasts

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Work with suppliers and customers to manage payment terms and collections

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Business Partnering

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Collaborate with operations and commercial teams to evaluate financial impact of operational decisions

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Support pricing, costing, and capex decisions with data-driven input

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Systems & Controls

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Strengthen internal controls, financial procedures, and documentation

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Identify opportunities to automate reporting and improve financial systems (e.g., ERP, Excel models)

Candidate Requirements:

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Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with post-qualification experience in an SME or mid-sized business

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Strong management accounting and budgeting experience, ideally in a product or manufacturing environment

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Excellent Excel skills and experience with accounting/ERP systems (e.g., Sage, NetSuite, SAP, etc.)

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Demonstrated ability to manage a small team and improve finance processes

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Commercially minded with a focus on business improvement and cost control

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Strong communication skills and ability to influence non-finance stakeholders

Desirable:

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Experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or technology infrastructure business

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Experience with stock management, costing, or project accounting

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Exposure to international transactions (FX, multi-currency accounts)