At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial insight and support to drive performance and growth in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a market-leading manufacturing business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior team members and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategies and supporting operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Churchill Howard is delighted to be partnering with a market-leading manufacturing business to recruit a commercially focussed Assistant Finance Manager for a highly visible role in Derby. Due to phenomenal growth, they are looking to move quickly, and candidates who are on a short notice period or immediately available will be favourably prioritised.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you’ll be a trusted partner to the Operations Director and senior operational leaders providing financial insight, commercial challenge, and strategic support to drive performance, margin improvement and sustainable growth. This is a true business partnering role where you’ll translate financial data into meaningful intelligence to support decisions on cost control, efficiency, operational efficiency and revenue generation, while also helping to develop and improve the finance function.
Key responsibilities
- Act as a commercial partner to operational and non-financial stakeholders, providing robust financial analysis and insight to support key decisions.
- Deliver proactive month-end and management reporting, including performance reviews, KPIs, cost analysis, margin reporting, cashflow and variance analysis.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes — consolidating budgets, analysing variances and preparing presentations for senior leadership.
- Provide commercial analysis on pricing, cost–benefit models, make-or-buy decisions, supplier benchmarking, margin analysis and capital investment appraisals.
- Lead monthly balance sheet reviews for your area and highlight key risks or opportunities to senior stakeholders.
- Prepare financial documentation for client tenders and contract negotiations, including royalty statements and reconciliations.
- Assist in training and supporting operational teams in the use of business reporting to understand and improve their financial performance.
Essential experience and skills
- Fully qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
- Industry experience, ideally within manufacturing or a complex, contract-led environment.
- Hands-on management accounting experience, including accounting adjustments, reporting and analysis for commercial decision-making.
- Strong analytical capability and high attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Advanced Excel skills (including macros/VBA) and good working knowledge of accounting/ERP systems.
Desirable
- Experience of training or mentoring junior team members.
- Proven ability to adapt and succeed in a changing environment.
- Experience of business partnering non-finance professionals to support the delivery of sound financial information.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional to join a market-leading business in a role that offers genuine impact, visibility and long-term career progression.
Assistant Finance Manager in Cardiff employer: Churchill Howard
Churchill Howard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Derby where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to strategic decision-making while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join a market-leading manufacturing business that values your insights and offers a clear path for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Manager in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry, especially those who work in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We want you to showcase your ability to translate numbers into actionable insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications through our website. A quick email or call can show your enthusiasm and keep you top of mind for hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders. We suggest doing mock presentations with friends or mentors to build confidence.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Assistant Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in management accounting and any relevant industry knowledge, especially in manufacturing. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've provided financial insight and supported decision-making in previous positions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to showcase your experience with financial analysis and reporting. Mention any tools or systems you’ve used, especially if you’re familiar with advanced Excel or ERP systems. We want to know how you can add value!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Churchill Howard
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as margin analysis and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive performance.
✨Showcase Your Business Partnering Skills
This role is all about collaboration with non-financial stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial teams. Highlight any experiences where your insights led to improved decision-making or operational efficiency.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Advanced Excel skills are a must for this position. Familiarise yourself with functions, macros, and VBA that are commonly used in financial reporting. During the interview, you might be asked to solve a problem or analyse data, so be prepared to showcase your skills on the spot.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough financial decisions or manage risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
