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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and manage a small team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a fast-growing SME in South Manchester focused on modernising finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, real ownership, and flexibility in your role.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team influencing key business decisions and outcomes.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance management, ideally within an SME.
- Other info: Opportunity to enhance systems and reporting while driving commercial success.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
- 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
Contact Detail:
Forge Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial software and systems that the company uses. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's recent financial performance and strategic goals. This knowledge will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations about how you can contribute to their objectives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a finance team or managed financial operations in a previous role. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to drive performance will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. They may provide insights or referrals that could enhance your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance management, particularly in SMEs. Emphasise your qualifications (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead financial operations and work with senior stakeholders.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on skills that align with the job description, such as budgeting, forecasting, payroll management, and team leadership. Use examples to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your commercial awareness by discussing how you've contributed to strategic decision-making in past positions. Include any experience with ROI analysis or process improvements that have positively impacted the business.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forge Talent
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial operations, particularly in producing management accounts and variance analysis. Highlight specific examples where your insights have influenced strategic decisions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing a small finance team, share your leadership experiences. Talk about how you've developed team members and driven performance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you’ve successfully managed budgets, forecasts, or cost controls, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Understand the Company’s Growth Strategy
Research the company’s current position and future goals. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their growth trajectory and how you can enhance their financial systems and reporting.
