At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance for two dynamic businesses, driving growth and efficiency.
- Company: Fast-growing group with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working across diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with relevant experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values your potential and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This fast growing group of companies has a number of sites across the UK and Europe that operate through various subdivisions. Following a recent acquisition in Lancaster, they have now created a new role for a Regional Accountant / Finance Manager to cover their two subsidiary businesses, the other being based near Rossendale. This will be a hybrid role with the anticipation of 1-2 days a week in each business following an initial training period. They are therefore keen to recruit someone from the Lancashire area who can commute regularly to both sites.
The successful candidate will be joining a business that operates across a range of sectors but experience of distribution, manufacturing / production and retail / e-comm would be a distinct advantage. The role will report into a Head of Finance based in the South and will offer significant exposure and influence with the local management teams at both sites. This will be an all-encompassing finance role, providing support and guidance, commercial input and the opportunity to develop both accounting functions to support continued growth.
Key duties will be:
- Prepare a full set of management accounts, including detailed analysis of actual costs versus budget and prior year performance.
- Proactively support and liaise with Group stakeholders during month-end and seasonal reporting cycles.
- Preparation of accruals and prepayments.
- Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations, identifying and analysing reconciling differences.
- Maintain fixed asset registers and post monthly depreciation for all business units.
- Assisting with the assembly of annual budgets for business units.
- Play an integral part in the internal, interim and year-end audits across both business units.
- Preparation of annual statutory accounts.
- Produce monthly cashflow statements and profit forecasts.
- Support local finance teams with reconciling nominal, sales, and purchase ledger accounts, bank reconciliations and payment run processes.
- Prepare VAT submissions to Group for consolidation.
- Support the monthly payroll with support from internal payroll resource and external providers.
- Develop and enhance accounting systems, processes and procedures to adhere to PLC Group processes.
- Business Partnering with key stakeholders in each business to support commercial decisions including detailed analysis and process improvement.
- Prepare and deliver margin reporting, pricing analysis, internal targeting and KPIs.
- Conduct operational analysis, including production volumes / efficiency and resource analysis.
- Lead detailed post CAPEX reviews and provide financial support for new initiatives and investments.
- Produce ad hoc compliance and internal management reporting as required.
The ideal candidate for this role must be a fully qualified Accountant (CIMA / ACCA or ACA) with previous experience in a similar level position. You must be able to work with minimal supervision to a high level, with ability to prioritise and meet group reporting deadlines. Strong IT skills will also be necessary, in addition to a bespoke warehouse / logistics system they currently use Quickbooks at one of the sites and are possibly looking to implement MS Dynamics in the future. You will be joining a business committed to innovation and sustainability that supports and encourages all their employees to achieve their full potential. If you would like to be considered please get in touch!
Contact Detail:
AFR Consulting Recruiting Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Regional Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in distribution, manufacturing, and retail/e-commerce, as these are key areas for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in management accounts and financial analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your qualifications (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) and how your previous roles have prepared you for this all-encompassing finance position. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your IT Skills: Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, make sure to mention your experience with Quickbooks and any familiarity with MS Dynamics. If you've worked with other accounting systems, don’t hesitate to include those too. We love tech-savvy candidates!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our innovative and sustainable business!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFR Consulting
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Regional Finance Manager, you'll be expected to handle management accounts and financial analysis. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers, but also about the insights they provide.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the sectors the company operates in, especially distribution, manufacturing, and retail/e-commerce. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas and how you can contribute to their growth. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
With the potential use of Quickbooks and MS Dynamics, highlight your proficiency with these systems or similar software. If you have experience in enhancing accounting processes through technology, share specific examples. This will show that you can adapt and improve their current systems.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around budgeting, audits, and financial reporting. Prepare scenarios from your past where you successfully navigated challenges or improved processes. This will help you illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.