At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance delivery for diverse clients and ensure high-quality financial reporting.
- Company: Join Armstrong Watson, a rapidly growing and respected advisory firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with genuine opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven team making a real impact in the finance sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication skills and experience in management accounts.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
Build something exceptional, with us. Armstrong Watson is on a journey to more than double our turnover by 2030, through disciplined organic growth, the attraction of outstanding talent, and the selective acquisition of like‑minded firms. But growth alone is not the goal. Reputation is. And reputation is earned, not inherited.
Our strategic intent is simple to say and hard to deliver. To become the most respected adviser to privately owned businesses in the North and the UK. The firm business owners talk about. The firm lawyers and bankers recommend without hesitation. To achieve this, we are building the best Accounting and Financial Advisory firm to deal with, not just in the North, but across the UK. Exceptional service, deep expertise, trusted relationships, and absolute reliability define everything we do. These are not slogans; they are standards we hold ourselves to every day.
At our core, we exist for one reason, to help our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind. This strategy sets the direction. Our people, our values‑led culture, and our standards will deliver it. We are looking for people who want more than the next job. People who care deeply about:
- Standards and professionalism
- Doing work they are proud to put their name to
- Building long‑term client relationships
- Being part of a firm with real momentum and intent
If you want to grow with a business that is ambitious, values‑driven, and serious about excellence, Armstrong Watson offers opportunity and expectation in equal measure.
What you will find here:
- A firm with clear direction and momentum
- Clients who value advice and relationships
- Colleagues who care about doing things properly
- A culture built on Passion, Trust, Humanity and Honesty
- Genuine opportunity to shape your career as the firm grows
This is our moment, and our vision is clear, to build something genuinely remarkable.
The Role
As a result of continued growth, we are now recruiting for an ambitious and technically strong Finance Manager - Outsourced Finance to join our team in Leeds. This is a hands‑on position offering exposure to a diverse client base across multiple sectors, supporting businesses with high-quality financial management, reporting and advisory services.
The main elements of this role will include:
- Taking ownership of finance delivery for clients, and acting as a key point of contact
- Managing and delivering month‑end processes, including: preparing / reviewing management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and variance analysis and commentary
- Ensuring timely, accurate and high-quality financial reporting tailored to client needs
- Supporting senior team members in delivering fractional FD services, including: Providing commercial insight and decision support
- Building strong, trusted relationships with clients through clear communication and reliable delivery
Please note that we will not be accepting candidates from agency suppliers in connection with this vacancy.
The Candidate
In order to fulfil the responsibilities of the position, we would like candidates to be / have:
- A Full UK Driving Licence
- A qualified Accountant under ICAS, ICAEW or ACCA
- An excellent knowledge, and working experience of preparing management accounts for various UK companies.
- Comfort with MS Excel and a range of accounting software and the ability to pick up new ones quickly.
- A sound knowledge and understanding of all relevant UK taxes such as Personal Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT and Capital Taxes etc
- An excellent communicator in both verbal and written forms, and be able to flex your style depending on both internal and external audiences
- Able to drive business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for growth
- A desire to broaden experience and understand how different companies and sectors work
The Benefits
In return for your hard work helping us shape our future growth and development; we will provide a competitive salary and a positive benefits package which includes:
- Salary Sacrifice Employer Contribution Pension Scheme including Life Cover (4x salary) and Income Protection
- Competitive Annual Leave entitlement & Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave each year
- Smart Working Policy, giving you the ability to balance home and remote working
- Health Shield Cash Plan (cash back on a range of Health benefits and discounts on holidays, fashion and entertainment)
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support for wellbeing and health)
- Paid flu jabs and eye tests
- Introductory Commission Scheme (financial reward if you refer a new client)
- Employee Referral Scheme (financial reward if you refer new AW colleagues) enabling you to claim up to £2,500 for each referral
- Investment towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which includes access to comprehensive training courses and materials
- Paid professional membership fees
In addition to all the benefits you would expect from an award winning employer, you will be given the utmost encouragement and support to develop your career further. When you're with us... we're with you.
Finance Manager - Outsourced Finance in Leeds employer: Armstrong Watson LLP
Armstrong Watson LLP is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional growth and development. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme, employees in Glasgow enjoy a collaborative environment that fosters meaningful client interactions and compliance excellence. The company's commitment to employee advancement ensures that team members can thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful tax solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Outsourced Finance in Leeds
✨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 Armstrong Watson LLP. 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 - Outsourced Finance in Leeds
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 Armstrong Watson LLP.
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 Armstrong Watson LLP'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 Armstrong Watson LLP
✨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 Armstrong Watson LLP.
✨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 Armstrong Watson LLP 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 Armstrong Watson LLP 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.
