At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and manage month-end processes while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Company: Dynamic tech-enabled professional services business with a purpose-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, extra days off, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing training and development in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the finance function and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with management accounting experience and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Our Client is a growing, tech-enabled professional services business working with high-profile organisations across sport and regulated sectors worldwide. With a UK head office and a US subsidiary, they're now looking for a Senior Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function and help lay the groundwork for the next stage of growth.
Reporting into the Managing Director and working closely with the Company Directors, you'll be the go-to person for all things finance. This is a hands-on role with plenty of commercial input. You'll own the month-end and management accounts from start to finish, but you'll also partner with the business on pricing, bids and contract profitability, with regular exposure to the Senior Leadership Team. It suits someone who enjoys getting into the detail but wants a real seat at the table.
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 depending on experience
Benefits:
- Hybrid working, with 2-3 days a week in the Wigan office and flexible working
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 28 with service
- Extra days off for your birthday, a wellbeing day and a volunteer day
- Private medical insurance and a medical cashback plan
- Free coaching and mental health support with a trained psychologist, plus an Employee Assistance Programme
- Death in service benefit, financial planning advice and retail discounts
- Ongoing training and development
- A purpose-led, collaborative business where your work is visible and genuinely valued
Key Responsibilities:
- Owning the end-to-end production of monthly management accounts and leading the month-end process
- Reporting on monthly KPIs and preparing monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the Directors
- Daily bank reviews and reconciliations, plus monthly customer and supplier reconciliations
- Overseeing the sales and purchase ledgers, managing a freelance Bookkeeper and developing a newly appointed Business Finance Co-ordinator
- Managing payroll through an external provider
- Supporting the US subsidiary's accounts, working with their outsourced provider, and handling intercompany reporting and transfer pricing
- Owning the annual budget with budget holders and reviewing performance against it
- Building and maintaining commercial models for bid pricing, contract profitability and scenario planning
- Analysing revenue and margin by contract, customer and service line, and explaining the drivers to the MD and budget holders
- Reviewing company card spend and expenses, and educating budget holders on accurate reporting of expenditure
- Liaising with customers, suppliers, bankers, external accountants and auditors
- Improving processes, systems and controls with a continuous improvement mindset
Requirements:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or qualified by experience
- At least 2 years' management accounting experience at a similar level
- Strong Xero experience
- Advanced Excel skills (lookups, pivot tables, etc.)
- Experience building or maintaining commercial models for pricing, bids or contract profitability
- Experience managing or developing junior finance staff
- Commercially curious, with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with senior stakeholders
- Able to work independently, prioritise your own workload and stay calm in a fast-paced environment
- Based within commuting distance of Wigan (this isn't a fully remote role)
A brilliant opportunity to own the numbers, shape the finance function and have real commercial impact in a growing, purpose-driven business.
Senior Finance Manager in Wigan employer: Alf Recruit Limited
Join a well-established, values-led organisation that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As an Interim HR Advisor working from home in Burnley, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive remuneration and opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic team. This role offers the unique advantage of flexibility while contributing to meaningful employee relations initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager in Wigan
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
Freelancing in finance can be competitive, so make sure you're on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, specifically targeting finance gigs. Also, look for finance networking events or webinars to connect with small businesses that might need your services. Meeting people face-to-face (or online) can score you those elusive freelance contracts.
✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
Since you're going freelance, having a solid portfolio is a must. Showcase your previous work, such as reports or analyses, and consider using case studies to highlight your approach. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the easier it is for clients to trust you with their finances.
✨Direct Outreach is Key
For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Alf Recruit Limited for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Alf Recruit Limited. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Alf Recruit Limited. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alf Recruit Limited
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Alf Recruit Limited, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Alf Recruit Limited.
