Finance Manager

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000 on a pro rata, dependent on experience

Location: Bedford | 22 hours (with some flexibility to suit)

We’re working with a growing and established SME to recruit a Finance Manager on a part-time basis in a standalone role. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional looking for a flexible role while still having genuine ownership and responsibility across the finance function. Working directly with the Directors, you’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the finance function, covering bookkeeping, reconciliations, AP, AR, payroll, VAT and month-end reporting. This is a hands‑on position where you’ll have the autonomy to investigate discrepancies, improve controls and ensure the financial information is accurate and up to date.

Role: Finance Manager - Part Time

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000 on a pro rata, dependent on experience

Location: Bedford | 22 hours (with some flexibility to suit)

We’re working with a growing and established SME to recruit a Finance Manager on a part‑time basis in a standalone role. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional looking for a flexible role while still having genuine ownership and responsibility across the finance function. Working directly with the Directors, you’ll take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the finance function, covering bookkeeping, reconciliations, AP, AR, payroll, VAT and month‑end reporting. This is a hands‑on position where you’ll have the autonomy to investigate discrepancies, improve controls and ensure the financial information is accurate and up to date.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing day‑to‑day bookkeeping, including purchase and sales ledgers and transaction coding.
• Completing regular bank, credit card, supplier and customer reconciliations.
• Processing supplier invoices, maintaining accounts payable and preparing payment runs.
• Raising customer invoices, managing aged debt and proactively following up outstanding balances.
• Taking responsibility for the accurate preparation and processing of monthly payroll.
• Supporting VAT returns, HMRC submissions and maintaining accurate VAT records.
• Supporting the monthly financial close, including reconciliations, payroll and review of outstanding balances.
• Providing a concise monthly finance summary to the Directors covering cash, revenue, costs, payroll, debtors and creditors.
• Working closely with external accountants on year‑end accounts and financial information.
• Maintaining strong financial controls and investigating unusual, duplicate or unexplained transactions.
• Supporting wider business administration, including employee records, company vehicles and key renewal dates.

Key Requirements

• Strong practical experience within a finance, accounts or SME environment.
• Experience across bookkeeping, AP, AR and bank reconciliations.
• Practical payroll processing experience.
• Good understanding of VAT and basic accounting principles.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using accounting software such as Xero, Sage, QuickBooks or equivalent.
• Excellent numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confident working independently and managing deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• High levels of confidentiality, integrity and organisation.
• AAT Level 3/4 or equivalent experience would be advantageous.