At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations, prepare accounts, and oversee a part-time bookkeeper.
- Company: Join a friendly, growing SME in Swansea focused on finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible part-time hours, free breakfast Fridays, and easy-access parking.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and drive business improvements in a key role.
- Qualifications: Strong finance experience, Sage 50 proficiency, and advanced Excel skills required.
- Other info: Office-based role with negotiable working patterns to fit your schedule.
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 33600 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Finance Controller / Manager to join a friendly, growing SME based in Swansea. This role is fully focused on finance, with the HR and Executive Assistant responsibilities removed.
About the Role:
- You will take full responsibility for managing financial operations, including preparing monthly management accounts, overseeing a part-time bookkeeper, and working closely with external accountants.
- This is a key position with plenty of scope to improve processes and help drive the business forward.
- This position offers part-time hours for the right person with flexible working hours. We are open to discussing working patterns that suit you — whether within school hours or spread across 3 to 5 regular days.
- Please note, this role is fully office-based in Swansea (no remote working).
Candidate Essentials:
- Strong, hands-on finance experience within an SME environment
- Proficiency with Sage 50 (or Sage 100 with willingness to quickly adapt to Sage 50)
- Full responsibility for preparing monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cashflow)
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, basic data modelling)
- Clear track record of role longevity
- Strong alignment with our core values: Caring, Motivated, Genuine
Key Responsibilities:
- Day-to-day financial management including ledger entries, bank reconciliation, and accounts payable/receivable
- Preparing monthly management accounts and financial reports
- VAT submissions and liaising with HMRC
- Managing online banking and cash flow monitoring
- Supporting external accountants with statutory compliance and filings
- Leading and supporting the part-time bookkeeper
- Identifying and implementing process improvements and automation
- Providing financial insights and supporting budgeting and forecasting
Skills & Experience Required:
- CIMA / ACCA / ACA qualified or equivalent
- Expert knowledge of Sage 50 and Excel (including data modelling and analysis)
- Strong statutory knowledge of UK tax and VAT regulations
- Proven ability to manage a small finance team
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
- Detail-oriented and able to work independently within a close-knit team
What We Offer:
- Flexible part-time hours between 24 and 32 hours per week, with working patterns negotiable
- Friendly and supportive team environment in a modern office in Swansea (office-based only)
- Free, easy-access parking and a great workspace
- Perks including free breakfast Fridays and a discretionary company bonus after probation
- Salary up to £42,000 pro rata, depending on experience
If you’re motivated, caring, and genuine, and ready to take on a pivotal finance role within a supportive SME, we’d love to hear from you.
Finance Manager in Swansea employer: Gap Personnel - Cardiff
Contact Detail:
Gap Personnel - Cardiff Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. Attend local finance meetups or workshops in Swansea to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Sage 50 if you haven't already. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to brush up on your skills, as this will show your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to drive efficiency, which is key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s core values and think about how your personal values align with them. Be ready to articulate this during any discussions, as cultural fit is important for us at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on finance experience, particularly within an SME environment. Emphasise your proficiency with Sage 50 and advanced Excel skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your alignment with the company's core values: Caring, Motivated, and Genuine. Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to manage financial operations effectively. Mention any process improvements or automation initiatives you have led in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gap Personnel - Cardiff
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on finance experience in detail. Highlight specific examples of how you've managed financial operations, prepared management accounts, and overseen a finance team in an SME environment.
✨Demonstrate Proficiency with Sage and Excel
Since the role requires expertise in Sage 50 and advanced Excel skills, be ready to talk about your experience with these tools. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've used pivot tables or VLOOKUPs in past roles.
✨Align with Company Values
The company values caring, motivation, and genuineness. Think of instances where you've demonstrated these qualities in your work. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Process Improvement Discussions
As this role involves identifying and implementing process improvements, come equipped with ideas or examples from your previous roles. Discuss how you've successfully streamlined processes or introduced automation to enhance efficiency.