Finance Manager

Finance Manager

• Hybrid (Altrincham HQ, South Manchester)
• £55,000 – £65,000 + Benefits
• Full-time | Permanent

• Forge Talent is partnering with a growing, fast-paced SME headquartered in South Manchester to recruit a commercially minded Finance Manager. This is a brilliant opportunity to join a business that’s scaling and modernising, where finance plays a central role in supporting strategic decisions.

  This is a hands-on role responsible for end-to-end financial operations and leadership of a small team, perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is ready to step up into a broader, business-facing position.

  Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the production of monthly management accounts (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow), including variance analysis and board commentary
  • Drive budgeting and forecasting processes, working with senior leadership to align finance with commercial targets
  • Full payroll ownership, including all statutory requirements (P11d, P60s, P32s)
  • Oversee employee benefits schemes including pension, healthcare and insurance
  • Ensure tight cost control, challenge spend, and monitor EBITDA performance
  • Lead year-end processes and support external audit and statutory reporting
  • Prepare and submit VAT returns and maintain financial compliance
  • Manage a small finance team, driving performance, development, and efficiency
  • Oversee all transactional finance operations: invoicing, payments, reconciliations, supplier onboarding
  • Act as project lead for finance system/process improvements, working cross-functionally to enhance reporting and automation
  • Contribute to commercial decision-making through ROI analysis and business case evaluation

  What You’ll Bring

  • Qualified accountant (ACCA / ACA / CIMA)
  • Previous experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role within an SME
  • Confident communicator – able to partner with senior stakeholders and non-finance teams
  • Strong leadership skills – experienced in managing and developing small teams
  • Commercially astute, detail-focused, and systems-savvy
  • Comfortable managing both the strategic and hands-on aspects of finance
  • Experience in the recruitment or professional services sector (including RPO or MSP models) would be a bonus but not essential.

  Why Apply

  • Real ownership and autonomy
  • Hybrid working with flexibility
  • Opportunity to influence systems, reporting, and commercial outcomes
  • Part of a business on a clear growth trajectory, with a high-performing senior team