At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finance operations and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: People-focused SME in Leeds with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities to mentor junior staff.
- Why this job: Play a key role in a growing business and make a real impact on financial processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in SME finance, strong cashflow management, and advanced Excel skills.
Location: Leeds
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000
We are partnering with a growing, people-focused SME based in Leeds to recruit a hands-on Senior Finance Officer. This is a key role within the business, offering ownership of the day-to-day finance function while supporting operational and strategic decision-making. This position will suit someone who enjoys a broad, all-encompassing role, combining transactional oversight, reporting, and cashflow management, while working closely with senior stakeholders.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will play a key role in the day-to-day management of the finance function, supervising finance processes and supporting junior team members while ensuring accurate financial reporting and strong cashflow management.
- Core Finance Duties:
- Oversee the full finance function, including invoicing, credit control, and reconciliations
- Manage month-end processes, including payroll inputs, overtime and reporting
- Oversee the production and accuracy of monthly invoicing cycles (5 runs per month)
- Ensure timely debt collection and drive improvements in cash collection processes
- Maintain and review balance sheet reconciliations
- Cashflow & Financial Management:
- Support and develop cashflow forecasting and predictions
- Monitor working capital with a focus on improving cash inflow
- Provide financial insight to support business decision-making
- Systems & Compliance:
- Operate and optimise Sage accounting system
- Ensure compliance with VAT and tax reporting requirements
- Payroll & Administration:
- Oversee internal payroll processes, including deductions and pensions
- Support onboarding processes from a finance perspective (new starters, system setup)
- Administer financial elements of company car agreements
- Team Leadership:
- Support a small finance team, including an Accounts Assistant
- Work closely with existing team members responsible for payroll, invoicing, and reporting
- Provide guidance, oversight, and process improvements
The Person
We're looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in a hands-on SME finance role
- Confident managing end-to-end finance processes
- Strong with cashflow and credit control (critical to the business)
- Comfortable working in a broad role with operational crossover
- An advanced Excel user with experience in Sage
- Either qualified (CIMA/ACCA/ACA), part-qualified, or QBE
- Experience managing or mentoring staff is desirable.
If you're looking for a broad role where you can add value, improve processes, and be a key part of a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.
Senior Finance Officer in Leeds employer: Ashley Kate HR & Finance
Ashley Kate HR & Finance is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and employee well-being. Located in Wigan, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the educational sector while enjoying a term-time only schedule that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to growth and compliance, employees can expect to thrive in a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Contact Details:
Ashley Kate HR & Finance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer in Leeds
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer in Leeds
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