At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive performance improvements in a growing engineering business.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the finance function in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong accounting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
An engineering-led business is seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to take ownership of its finance function and play a key role in supporting future growth. This is an opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys working within an SME environment, getting involved in the detail, improving processes and partnering with operational teams to drive performance.
Reporting directly to the Commercial & Operations Director, you will oversee the day-to-day finance function, lead a small team and provide accurate, meaningful financial information to support business decision-making.
The Role
- Producing monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
- Managing month-end processes including accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
- Reviewing profit and loss performance and investigating variances.
- Maintaining balance sheet integrity and supporting year-end preparation.
- Managing cashflow forecasting and working capital.
- Overseeing purchase ledger, sales ledger and credit control activities.
- Taking ownership of work-in-progress reporting and project accounting.
- Supporting payroll preparation and liaising with external accountants.
- Leading and developing a small finance team.
- Improving financial controls, systems and reporting processes.
- Driving efficiencies through automation and process improvement.
About You
We are looking for an individual who combines strong technical accounting knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience in a Finance Manager, Company Accountant or Senior Management Accountant position.
- Experience producing management accounts within an SME environment.
- Strong balance sheet reconciliation and month-end accounting skills.
- Cashflow forecasting and working capital management experience.
- Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with finance systems.
- Experience managing or mentoring finance team members.
- The ability to identify issues, investigate root causes and implement solutions.
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to work closely with operational stakeholders.
Desirable Experience
Experience within engineering, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, projects or contracting environments would be highly advantageous. Knowledge of Sage 50, project accounting, WIP reporting, Power Query or reporting automation would also be beneficial.
Applications are welcomed from both professionally qualified candidates and those who are qualified by experience.
What's on Offer?
- Salary of £45,000 - £60,000 depending on experience.
- Opportunity to shape and improve the finance function.
- Exposure to senior leadership and business decision-making.
- Long-term progression opportunities as the business continues to grow.
- A varied and influential role within a successful and expanding organisation.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Finance Manager looking to make a genuine impact within a growing business and develop their career into a broader finance leadership position.
Finance Manager employer: Ambitions Personnel Ltd
Join a dynamic engineering-led business as a Finance Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the finance function and driving performance within a supportive SME environment. With a competitive salary and opportunities for long-term career progression, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that values innovation and efficiency, while also gaining exposure to senior leadership and meaningful decision-making processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ambitions Personnel Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ambitions Personnel Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ambitions Personnel Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitions Personnel Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ambitions Personnel Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ambitions Personnel Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ambitions Personnel Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
