At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, drive profitability, and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: A growing manufacturing organisation with a dynamic and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for strategic involvement.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced SME and influence key financial decisions.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years of finance experience, ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A growing manufacturing organisation is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Finance Manager to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, strengthen financial controls, and support continued operational growth within a fast-paced SME environment.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead the finance function across the business, combining strategic financial oversight with day-to-day operational finance management. You will play a key role in driving profitability, improving financial visibility, and supporting operational efficiency across manufacturing and commercial activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading monthly management accounts, forecasting, and board reporting
- Managing financial controls, governance, and statutory compliance
- Overseeing manufacturing costing, margin analysis, and operational performance
- Managing cash flow, working capital, and invoice finance facilities
- Supporting commercial decision-making through financial modelling and analysis
- Leading audits, VAT, payroll oversight, and statutory reporting
- Managing inventory valuation and balance sheet integrity
- Supporting CapEx appraisals and investment decisions
- Developing and mentoring a small finance team
- Partnering with operations and procurement to improve cost efficiency and margin performance
About You
We are looking for a proactive and commercially focused finance professional who thrives in a growing SME environment and enjoys balancing strategic input with operational involvement.
You will ideally have:
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualification (or qualified by experience)
- 5–10 years’ experience within manufacturing or stock-intensive environments
- Strong knowledge of:
- Standard costing and overhead absorption
- Cash flow forecasting and working capital management
- VAT, statutory compliance, and audit processes
- Invoice finance facilities
- Advanced Excel and ERP/SAGE system skills
- Experience leading or supervising a small finance team
- A hands-on, detail-oriented approach with strong analytical capability
Desirable Experience
- Print, packaging, or related manufacturing sectors
- Group structure reporting
- Capital expenditure and investment project leadership
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious manufacturing business
- Strategic involvement with senior leadership
- Broad and varied role with genuine influence
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Competitive salary and benefits package
If you are a commercially driven Finance Manager looking to make a real impact within a growing manufacturing organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Finance Manager in City of Westminster employer: Harrison Scott Associates
Join a dynamic and ambitious manufacturing organisation that values your expertise as a Finance Manager. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. This role not only offers professional growth within a fast-paced SME environment but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on the company's operational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial challenges and think about how your skills can help them improve profitability and operational efficiency. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities. We’re always updating our listings, and you might find the perfect Finance Manager role waiting for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with cash flow management and financial controls can directly benefit the company. Confidence is key, so make sure you can articulate your value clearly.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications like ACA/ACCA/CIMA and any relevant experience in manufacturing or stock-intensive environments. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Finance Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced strategic decision-making or improved financial controls in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to mention any relevant projects where you've used financial modelling or analysis to support commercial decisions. We’re keen to see how you can drive profitability and operational efficiency!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Scott Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to cash flow, working capital, and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team and influencing senior leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and improve team performance.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s operations and be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their growth and efficiency goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about scenarios involving financial controls, compliance, or cost management. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions in similar situations.