Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Full-Time 44000 - 56000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations, manage accounts, and mentor junior team members.
  • Company: Join Caroline Gardner Publishing, a creative brand with over 30 years of design excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 65% staff discount, annual bonus, generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a B Corp-certified business committed to people, planet, and profit.
  • Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified with experience in finance management, preferably in retail.
  • Other info: Dynamic SME environment with opportunities for process improvement and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 44000 - 56000 £ per year.

Caroline Gardner Publishing, a leading British design brand in cards, stationery, home, and gifts, is seeking a collaborative and dynamic Finance Manager to join our team in Putney, South-West London. We’re looking for a hands-on Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day financial operations of our growing business. Reporting to our part-time Finance Director, you’ll keep the finance function running smoothly, ensure accurate reporting, and provide insights that shape key decisions. You’ll also mentor and develop our Assistant Accountant and Credit Controller, building a collaborative, high-performing team. If you thrive in a fast-paced SME environment and love improving processes, this role is for you.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead month-end close and prepare accurate management accounts.
  • Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and oversee ledgers.
  • Monitor cashflow and support working capital management.
  • Ensure strong financial controls and compliance.
  • Prepare payroll and manage PAYE/NIC, pensions, and VAT returns.
  • Coordinate budgets and forecasts.
  • Maintain and administer Sage 200 user access and system housekeeping.
  • Assist with process improvements and the implementation of finance system enhancements.
  • Support audits and ad hoc analysis for the Finance Director.
  • Mentor and develop junior finance team members.

What we’re looking for:

  • ACA/ACCA qualified with solid post-qualification experience.
  • Previous experience as Finance Manager or senior finance officer in product-based or retail environment.
  • Strong technical knowledge and reporting skills.
  • Advanced Excel; Sage 200 experience is a plus.
  • Comfortable in a hands-on SME environment.
  • Detail-oriented, proactive, and process-improvement focused.
  • Excellent communicator and team leader.

Be part of a B Corp-certified business committed to people, planet, and profit. Enjoy benefits including staff discount (up to 65%), annual bonus, pension, EAP, generous holiday allowance, a birthday day off and more!

Salary Banding: flex. between 55-70K per annum depending on your experience

Role type: This is a permanent, full-time role to commence February/March 2026 (five days per week, 9.00am–5.30pm). Hybrid working (3 days in the office, 2 days from home).

Location: Putney, London

How to apply: Please send your CV & cover letter to jobs@carolinegardner.com as soon as possible.

We welcome your application: Caroline Gardner is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age.

Finance Manager employer: Caroline Gardner Publishing

Caroline Gardner Publishing is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced SME environment. With a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and development opportunities, alongside attractive benefits such as generous holiday allowances and a staff discount of up to 65%, our Putney location offers a unique blend of creativity and professionalism in a B Corp-certified business dedicated to people, planet, and profit.
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Contact Detail:

Caroline Gardner Publishing Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Caroline Gardner. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their success as a Finance Manager.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your answers to common finance interview questions. We want to see your technical skills shine, but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Role-play with a friend if you can!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager

Financial Reporting
Month-End Close
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
Cashflow Management
Financial Controls
Payroll Management
Budgeting and Forecasting
Sage 200
Advanced Excel
Process Improvement
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Mentoring
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Finance Manager role. Highlight your ACA/ACCA qualifications and any relevant experience in product-based or retail environments. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Caroline Gardner. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.

Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since mentoring and developing junior finance team members is key, make sure to mention any previous leadership experiences. We love seeing how you've built collaborative teams and improved processes in your past roles!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Caroline Gardner Publishing

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Caroline Gardner Publishing, such as cash flow management and balance sheet reconciliations. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since mentoring junior team members is part of the role, prepare examples of how you've developed others in your past positions. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a difference, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.

✨Be Process Improvement Savvy

This role requires a focus on improving processes. Come prepared with ideas or examples of how you've implemented process enhancements in your previous jobs. Highlight your proactive approach and how it benefited the finance function.

✨Communicate Clearly

Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present insights to non-financial stakeholders. Being able to convey your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.

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