Finance Manager

Key Objectives/ Deliverables The Finance Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, ensuring the smooth running of all financial processes. This role requires not only strong technical financial expertise but also the ability to lead, optimize systems, and provide actionable financial insights that help guide business decisions. You will work closely with other departments to ensure that the financial health of the company is maintained, risks are mitigated, and financial opportunities are maximized. You will be responsible for budgeting, managing credit control, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. As a key player in the finance team, you will also manage the accounts team and continuously improve the financial processes to drive efficiency and profitability. This position requires a strong financial understanding, including management accounts, cost and revenue recognition, and general ledger & journal adjustments. You will be responsible for monitoring project data, producing management information, and maintaining up-to-date dashboards that highlight Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and key project insights. You will manage a varied workload, so the ability to prioritize tasks and balance competing demands is essential. Strong communication and collaboration skills will be crucial in engaging with various departments. Summary of some Key responsibilities below: Budget Management & Forecasting · Lead the preparation and management of the company’s budget, collaborating with senior leadership to ensure that financial goals are aligned with corporate strategies. · Ensure that budget preparation is accurate, reflecting realistic forecasts and organizational priorities. · Monitor budget performance throughout the year, providing timely feedback on variances, trends, and required actions to senior management. 3. VAT Compliance & Reporting · Prepare and submit VAT returns within the required deadlines, ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations. · Conduct periodic reviews to ensure that VAT is being applied accurately across transactions and identify potential areas for tax efficiencies. 4. Financial Reporting & Analysis · Produce high-quality financial reports in line with corporate deadlines, interpreting key financial data to provide management with insights on financial performance. · Identify and highlight concerns or areas of improvement, making recommendations for corrective actions or optimization. · Ensure financial reports are aligned with industry standards and best practices, providing clarity on the financial health of the organization. 5. Team Leadership & Development · Manage and mentor the accounts clerk, overseeing day-to-day operations within the accounts team. · Provide guidance, training, and support to ensure that the team is equipped to produce reliable financial reports on time. · Foster a collaborative and productive team environment, encouraging continuous improvement and professional development. 6. System Improvement & Process Optimization · Take the lead in reviewing and improving the finance systems and processes, ensuring they are streamlined and efficient. · Work with the team to implement changes to financial systems that result in better reporting, accuracy, and time management. · Identify and recommend opportunities for automation or process improvements that reduce manual tasks and improve overall efficiency. 7. Managing Creditors · Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring that all payments are processed on time and in line with company policies. · Negotiate with vendors to manage payment terms and identify opportunities for cost savings. 8. Cost Control & Profit Optimization · Collaborate with business units to identify areas where costs can be controlled or optimized without compromising quality. · Actively look for opportunities to prevent revenue leakages and improve profitability. · Conduct regular reviews to identify trends in expenses and propose adjustments to meet financial goals. 9. Year-End Accounts & Audit · Manage the preparation of annual year-end accounts, ensuring that financial statements are accurate and comply with accounting standards. · Coordinate with external auditors during the annual audit process, providing necessary documentation and clarifications as needed. · Liaise with auditors to resolve queries and ensure that the audit is completed on time. 10. Monthly Financial Reporting · Prepare and run key financial reports on a monthly basis, including the Trial Balance, Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and General Ledger. · Analyse financial data to assess company performance against budgeted targets and provide detailed insights to management. · Address any discrepancies in reports, investigate underlying issues, and propose corrective actions where necessary. 11. Cash Flow Management · Prepare and present accurate monthly cash flow reports to the Corporate Team and Director, ensuring that cash flow projections are aligned with business operations and forecasts. · Monitor cash flow regularly, identifying potential cash shortages or surpluses and recommending actions to maintain liquidity. Person Specifications The ideal candidate will possess a balanced mix of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision. The ability to communicate effectively across various levels of the organization is essential, as is a proactive, results-driven attitude. Core Competencies · Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to both finance and non-finance stakeholders. · Teamwork: Strong team player, able to foster a collaborative work environment and develop relationships across departments. · Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to resolving financial issues, identifying opportunities for improvement, and driving efficiency. · Attention to Detail: A high level of accuracy in all financial reporting, with a focus on identifying discrepancies and addressing them promptly. · Self-Starter: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and achieve objectives. · Innovation: Ability to think creatively about processes and systems, always looking for ways to improve and streamline finance operations. Essential Qualifications & Skills · Professional Qualification: ACCA, ACA, or CIMA qualification is essential for this role. · Finance Expertise: Solid experience in finance control, financial analysis, and management information systems (MIS). · Advanced Excel Skills: Proficiency in Excel for financial modelling, reporting, and analysis. · Experience with Financial Systems: Practical experience with finance software (preferably SAGE 200 or similar) and familiarity with financial reporting systems. Desirable Qualifications & Skills · SAGE 200: Experience with SAGE 2000 finance systems is advantageous but not essential