Senior Finance Manager in Aylesford

About 501 Entertainment Limited (“501”) Founded in 2018, 501 is the global leader in social entertainment systems, dedicated to bringing innovative and engaging solutions to the market. As a pioneering tech company, we specialise in transforming traditional activities (such as darts, golf and more), into digitally enhanced, competitive socialising experiences.

Purpose of the role

The Senior Finance Manager is the operational lead of the finance function at 501 Entertainment — a fast‑growing, investor‑backed entertainment technology business. Reporting to the CFO, this role owns the day‑to‑day running of the finance team, the period‑end close, management reporting, payroll, tax compliance, and audit liaison. The Senior Finance Manager manages two Finance Managers and a Finance Assistant and acts as the primary point of technical escalation for all finance matters below CFO level. This is a hands‑on role in a lean, high‑growth environment that is adding complexity rapidly — new billing models, manufacturing, overseas indirect tax exposure, and enhanced investor reporting requirements are all in the pipeline. The right candidate will be comfortable owning complex processes end‑to‑end, communicating clearly with senior stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement across the finance function.

Core Responsibilities

• Management Accounts and Period‑End Close: Own the full period‑end close on a 4‑weekly reporting cycle. Prepare management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, and KPI’s with independent variance commentary. Review all journals, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations to close deadline. Present management accounts to the CFO. Maintain audit‑ready records at all times.
• Budget and Forecast: Facilitate the annual budget process in partnership with the CFO. Support commercial analysis and scenario modelling as required by the business.
• Tax and Statutory Compliance: Own VAT returns, ensuring full compliance with HMRC requirements and timely submission. Support corporation tax and R&D tax credit processes in liaison with external advisors. Monitor and respond to developing indirect tax obligations, including overseas compliance as the business expands internationally. Ensure all statutory filing obligations are met.
• Audit and External Relationships: Act as primary contact for external auditors during the year‑end audit process. Manage relationships with tax advisors and other professional service providers. Ensure the finance function maintains audit readiness throughout the year.
• Payroll: Own the full payroll process — calculation, approval, and payslip issuance. Ensure payroll is accurate and issued on time each period. Communicate payroll position clearly to senior management.
• Investor and Board Reporting: Support the CFO in preparing board and investor reporting packs. Ensure investor reporting obligations (including Series A requirements) are met accurately and on time. Develop and maintain KPI reporting as the business and its reporting requirements evolve.
• Team Management: Line‑manage two Finance Managers and a Finance Assistant, setting clear priorities, objectives, and standards. Develop team capability and manage workload effectively. Act as the day‑to‑day escalation point for finance queries across the business.
• Banking and Treasury: Manage supplier payment runs with strong cash discipline. Support treasury management as the business scales.
• Systems and Process Improvement: Maintain and improve finance systems, processes, and internal controls. Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency. Keep SOPs current and ensure they are followed consistently by the team.

Qualifications and Experience

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (essential).
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience within industry.
• Demonstrable track record of owning the period‑end close and preparing management accounts independently.
• Experience managing VAT compliance and liaising with external auditors.
• Background in a fast‑growth SME environment; technology or SaaS experience is advantageous.
• People management experience desirable.

Core skills

• Technically strong across management accounting, tax, and statutory compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication — able to present financial information clearly to non‑finance audiences.
• Strong Excel and accounting software skills; Xero experience preferred.
• Commercial mindset — able to translate numbers into operational insight and challenge unsupported assumptions.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Systems and process‑oriented; comfortable with technology and automation.
• Calm under pressure; collaborative and direct in communication.

What we offer

• Collaborative, supportive work environment.
• Opportunities for progression and increased responsibility as the business scales.
• Company‑wide social events.
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Birthday off work.
• Competitive benefits, including:
• Buying Annual leave scheme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Private Healthcare.
• Life Assurance Policy.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Flu vaccinations.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Salary sacrifice platform, including Employee discounts and a Health & wellbeing programme.