At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in processing activities.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy an 8% matched pension, private medical insurance, and life assurance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving process improvements and innovation in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with experience in finance operations management.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Benefits: 8% matched pension; 2.5 x life assurance; private medical insurance.
As Finance Manager (Service Centre), you will drive the efficiency, accuracy and scalability of the Group’s central finance operations. You will lead all core processing activities covering ledgers, reconciliations, credit control, fixed assets and payroll posting ensuring outputs are timely, consistent and support effective business decision making.
Working closely with Finance Business Partners and the wider finance team, you will ensure the Service Centre delivers reliable, insightful financial information that underpins strong reporting. As the Group moves to a new finance structure, you will standardise processes, champion best practice and partner with the Finance Transformation Manager to leverage technology, improve efficiency and build a scalable finance model for the future.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead all central finance processing activities, ensuring accurate and timely outputs across ledgers, reconciliations and journals.
- Provide high‑quality financial data to support Group and Divisional reporting cycles.
- Drive process improvement, automation and standardisation to enhance efficiency and service levels.
- Oversee Sales Ledger (Credit Control) and Purchase Ledger, ensuring compliant invoice processing and effective debtor management.
- Manage core accounting activities including bank reconciliations, fixed assets (incl. ROU) and payroll posting.
- Lead, develop and support the Service Centre team, ensuring strong collaboration, accountability and capability.
- Maintain robust financial controls, oversee balance sheet reconciliations and support internal/external audits.
- Build strong relationships with Finance Business Partners, providing consistent and reliable financial outputs.
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement across systems, reporting and process design.
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA.
- Experience managing a finance operations, shared service or transactional finance team.
- Strong understanding of financial controls, ledgers and reconciliations.
- Experience implementing process improvements and system enhancements.
- Advanced Excel and strong knowledge of finance systems.
- Strong leadership, communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Highly organised, detail‑oriented and able to manage competing priorities.
- Proactive, continuous improvement mindset with ability to challenge constructively.
Finance Manager employer: Hargreaves Services plc
Contact Detail:
Hargreaves Services plc 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 and let them know you're on the hunt for a Finance Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven process improvements and managed teams in the past. We want to see that proactive mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. Show them why you’re the perfect fit for their finance team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with ledgers, reconciliations, and any process improvements you've implemented. 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 passionate about finance and how you can drive efficiency in our Service Centre. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and enhance service levels. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve increased efficiency or reduced costs, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hargreaves Services plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial data. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used financial information to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Process Improvements
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've implemented process improvements or system enhancements in finance operations. Highlight any automation projects you've led and the impact they had on efficiency.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves collaboration with Finance Business Partners, think about how you can illustrate your relationship-building skills. Share stories that show how you've successfully worked with others to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Leadership is key for this position. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, fostering accountability, and developing talent. Think of examples where you've motivated your team to excel in a challenging environment.