Finance Manager in Colchester

Affinia is the UK's largest purpose-led, purpose-built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships.

With over 1000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines - Accountancy & Advisory, Tax and Planning, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery.

Our team also offer in-depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice, tailored to them.

We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

Our people are our most valuable asset.

We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Real people. Real growth. Real difference.

• Int Ref: COL046
• Purpose Of The Role

As Finance Manager, you will play a key role in delivering a robust, accurate and efficient finance function across the Group.

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, you will be responsible for managing the monthly and annual financial reporting cycle, maintaining a strong financial control environment and leading a small team of finance professionals.

The role will have primary responsibility for ensuring the timely and accurate completion of month-end and year-end close activities across a growing multi-entity group.

Working closely with the Group Financial Controller and wider business stakeholders, you will ensure high-quality management and statutory reporting, effective cash management and strong balance sheet control.

You will also coordinate the Group's external audit process, ensuring the business remains audit-ready throughout the year and that statutory reporting requirements are delivered efficiently and effectively.

• Accountabilities
• Manage the month-end close process, ensuring reporting deadlines are met and financial information is complete, accurate and insightful.
• Coordinate and oversee year-end financial reporting activities, including preparation for statutory accounts production and audit.
• Review and maintain balance sheet reconciliations across all Group entities, ensuring integrity and accuracy of financial records.
• Deliver detailed P&L, cost centre and performance reporting to support operational and strategic decision making.
• Prepare and review cash flow reporting and forecasts to support effective treasury and working capital management.
• Support the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes across the Group.
• Undertake variance analysis against budgets and forecasts, highlighting risks, trends and opportunities to senior management.
• Oversee the preparation of Group VAT returns, ensuring accurate and timely submissions and effective liaison with the Tax team for review and approval.
• Maintain and enhance financial controls, accounting policies and governance processes across the finance function.
• Coordinate the annual external audit process, managing audit requests, preparing supporting schedules and liaising with auditors to ensure timely completion.
• Act as a key point of contact for auditors and support the resolution of audit queries throughout the year.
• Manage, develop and support a small team of accountants and finance support staff, ensuring high levels of performance, accuracy and professional development.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and reporting, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and automation.
• Support acquisition integrations and the onboarding of new entities into Group reporting and financial control processes.
• Provide ad hoc analysis and support to the Group Financial Controller and senior leadership team as required

Skills/Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a Finance Manager, Financial Accountant or similar role.
• Coordinate the annual external audit process, managing audit requests, preparing supporting schedules and liaising with auditors to ensure timely completion.
• Experience operating within a complex multi-entity or group structure.
• Strong experience of managing month-end and year-end reporting processes.
• Experience preparing management accounts, financial reporting packs and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience managing and developing a small finance team.
• Experience supporting external audits and statutory reporting requirements.
• Strong financial controls and governance experience.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems skills.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• Culture & Core Benefits
• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays (Sept-Aug)
• Opportunity to purchase 3 extra days holiday per year
• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential.
• Death in Service.
• Professional membership support.
• Paycare - claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
• Dress for your Diary Policy.
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