At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance operations and support teams with accurate financial reporting.
- Company: Join a high-profile operations centre in Brackley with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, wellness facilities, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive, diverse work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving financial performance and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with strong management accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Finance Manager to join a high‑profile operations centre in Brackley. You will play a key role in delivering accurate, proactive financial information and control across site operations, supporting both Finance and Operational teams. The role is central to ensuring robust reporting, strong financial governance, and continuous improvement in processes as part of a wider "One Compass" UK Finance Function. You will also support and develop a small on‑site finance team, driving performance, consistency, and service excellence.
What you'll be doing:
- Managing one supervisor and overseeing day‑to‑day finance operations, including people, systems, and compliance
- Leading weekly bookwork close and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
- Maintaining local finance systems (including cashless/back‑office systems) and ensuring data integrity
- Supporting monthly close in SAP, including accruals, prepayments, and financial adjustments
- Producing daily, weekly, and monthly management reports, including P&L, payroll, and flash reporting
- Managing reconciliation processes including tills, vending machines, prepayment cards, and cash shortages
- Overseeing vendor management, profit protection, and ensuring correct use of approved suppliers
- Managing Nexus weekly close process, including issue resolution and coordination with operational teams
- Maintaining reporting timetables, deadlines, and coordination with Heads of Departments
- Supporting stock reporting, stock management, and commercial analysis
- Partnering with operational teams to provide clear financial insight for decision‑making
- Contributing to team development through coaching, feedback, and task delegation
What you need to succeed:
- Part‑qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with 2‑3 exams remaining
- Minimum 2+ years' experience in an Assistant Finance Manager or similar role
- Strong management accounting experience, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and reporting
- Experience producing financial reports and analysis to support commercial decision‑making
- Full exposure to P&L and balance sheet reporting
- Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
- Experience partnering with non‑finance stakeholders in an operational environment
- Confident communicator, able to explain financial information clearly to operational teams
- Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Desirable:
- Advanced Excel skills (including macros/VBA)
- Experience with SAP and financial reporting systems
- Experience training or mentoring junior team members
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Adaptable, proactive, and open to new ways of working
Benefits:
- Free meals
- Free on‑site gym
- Onsite free car parking
- Wellness facilities
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Equal Opportunity: Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!
Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Restaurant Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Brackley that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits like free meals, wellness facilities, and career development programmes, we empower our team to thrive while delivering outstanding hospitality services. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common finance-related questions. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience with P&L and financial reporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. This will demonstrate your value to potential employers and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in management accounting and financial reporting, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail. We love candidates who can clearly communicate financial information, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showing your enthusiasm for the role and our company.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Finance Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on your knowledge of P&L statements, balance sheets, and key financial metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a small finance team, so highlight your experience in coaching and mentoring. Prepare examples of how you've developed team members or improved team performance in previous positions. This will show that you're not just about numbers but also about people.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders. Practice simplifying complex financial concepts into layman's terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively by using clear examples from your experience.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in tight deadlines. Think of specific situations where you had to manage financial reporting under pressure or resolve discrepancies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
