At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and analysis to drive business performance.
- Company: Join Speedibake, a leading Yorkshire bakery with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for process improvement and team leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance at a top FTSE 100 company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Company: Speedibake
Location: We are Speedibake, a Proud Yorkshire Bakery. Established in 1984 we are one of the market leaders in the supply of frozen baked goods and are part of Associated British Foods plc, which is an FTSE 100 company.
This is an exciting role that is right at the heart of the business, you will have the opportunity to deliver insight and drive value in a key area that has a substantial impact on the performance of the business. Working alongside the wider business, operational teams and senior finance leadership, you will lead the delivery of accurate, timely financial reporting and ensure a robust control environment across the organisation. Providing clear financial insight and challenge, you will build trusted relationships that support effective decision‑making, safeguard the integrity of financial information, and ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.
Key Accountabilities
- Month-End Close & Management Reporting
- Lead the month-end close process to agreed timetables.
- Prepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis and commentary.
- Ensure appropriate accruals, prepayments, provisions, and cut-off controls.
- Produce clear performance insight for operations and senior leadership.
- Balance Sheet Controls & Governance
- Own balance sheet reconciliations and account ownership framework.
- Ensure timely clearance of aged and unreconciled items.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for all key balance sheet accounts.
- Audit & Control Environment
- Act as primary finance contact for external audits.
- Support internal audit activity and implement audit actions.
- Maintain and improve financial controls and process documentation.
- Cost Centre Management & Business Partnering
- Own cost centre reporting and overhead control.
- Partner with operational leaders to analyse performance and variances.
- Challenge spend and support business cases for efficiency improvements.
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process for P&L, Balance Sheet, Working Capital & Cash Flow.
- Deliver accurate quarterly forecasts with clear assumptions.
- Provide scenario and sensitivity analysis.
- Fixed Asset & Capex Management
- Oversee Fixed Asset Projects, monitor spend and present a Monthly Capital Meeting to the senior leadership team.
- Ensure accurate and timely capitalization of projects.
- Review and complete capex forms for new projects, providing discounted cash flow workings before submission for senior approval.
- Ensure capex governance and policy compliance.
The Right Person
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- 3-7 years PQE.
- Strong experience in month-end, balance sheet control, and forecasting.
- Strong Excel and finance systems capability.
- Ability to influence senior non-finance stakeholders.
Desirable
- Manufacturing or food/FMCG experience preferred.
- Experience managing teams.
- Experience in process improvements to support growth.
Key Behaviours
- Strong ownership and accountability.
- High attention to detail and control mindset.
- Pro-active, highly organized and technically strong.
- Commercial curiosity and continuous improvement focus.
- Confidence to challenge and influence.
- Clear communication with non-financial stakeholders.
Finance Manager employer: Associated British Foods
At Speedibake, we pride ourselves on being a leading Yorkshire bakery with a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture. As part of the FTSE 100 Associated British Foods plc, we offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact our success. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching Speedibake and understanding their financial needs. Think about how your skills in month-end close and forecasting can add value. Practice common interview questions and be ready to showcase your experience confidently!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t just talk about your qualifications—show them! Bring examples of your past work, like reports or analyses, that demonstrate your ability to drive financial insight and support decision-making.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Speedibake team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in month-end processes, balance sheet control, and forecasting. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to Speedibake. We love seeing candidates who can connect their experiences to our values.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven value and improved processes. We appreciate candidates who can quantify their impact!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply 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 you’re keen on joining our team at Speedibake!
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated British Foods
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how your insights have driven value in previous positions.
✨Understand the Business
Speedibake is all about baked goods, so do your homework! Familiarise yourself with the company’s products, market position, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the business.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or analyse financial scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will showcase your analytical skills and ability to influence decision-making among non-financial stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've partnered with operational teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your financial insights led to improved performance or efficiency, demonstrating your ability to build trusted relationships.
