Senior Finance Manager in Manchester

The Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in delivering robust financial reporting, effective business partnering and strong financial control across the organisation. As a key manager within the Finance team, the role is responsible for statutory reporting, management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and audit, while driving continuous improvement in financial processes and systems. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, the Finance Manager provides high-quality insights and analysis to support informed decision-making, enhance performance and ensure financial integrity across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Control
  • Prepare accurate and timely statutory accounts in line with relevant standards.
  • Produce monthly management accounts with insightful commentary, variance analysis and recommendations in line with the reporting timetable.
  • Prepare the monthly Board pack, ensuring clarity, accuracy and alignment with business priorities.
  • Reconcile payroll costs and maintain full support for all adjustments.
  • Ensure all balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled with appropriate supporting documentation.
  • Oversee accurate and timely cashflow reporting and forecasting.
• Audit, Tax & Compliance
  • Manage the year-end audit process, ensuring full and accurate supporting documentation is provided and acting as the primary liaison with external auditors.
  • Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
  • Identify financial risks, propose mitigation strategies and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and internal control requirements.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Partnering
  • Manage budgeting and forecasting processes, working collaboratively with stakeholders across the business.
  • Analyse financial trends and data to support decision-making and propose strategies to address challenges and leverage opportunities.
  • Act as a Finance Business Partner to operational teams, providing meaningful insights, financial analysis and challenge to drive performance.
• Process Improvement & Systems
  • Identify, design and implement improvements to financial processes, reporting and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy and control.
  • Promote continuous improvement and innovation within the finance function.
  • Lead finance-related projects and represent Finance on cross-functional initiatives.
• Team Leadership
  • Manage, mentor and develop members of the Finance Team, ensuring effective coordination of activities and building a high-performing function.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and professional development.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified.
• Significant experience in Finance Management roles.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of reporting requirements.
• Experience building financial models and using financial software/ERP systems.
• Solid understanding of internal controls and financial governance.
• Experience within hospitality, F&B, stadium, arena or multi-concept venues (preferred).
• Strong grasp of technology platforms – configuration, optimisation and their role in driving business performance.
• Highly analytical with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Comfortable providing constructive challenge and influencing decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience of leading, coaching and developing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credible relationships at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented and event-driven environment.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to take ownership and drive initiatives to completion.
• Able to consistently adhere to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.

Why Join Us?

• Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) – including Virtual GP access and rewards
• Group Life Assurance – 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
• Birthday Day Off – an extra day to celebrate
• Complimentary Meals on Shift – breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
• Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform – including counselling support
• Employee Discounts Platform (Blackhawk) – cashback and savings across major retailers
• Company Pension Scheme
• Generous Holiday Allowance – plus bank holidays
• Career Development Opportunities – with progression across the campus