Finance Manager in Wokingham

Big Apple Entertainments Limited (BAEL) and American Amusements Holdings Limited (AAHL) are two successful SME leisure businesses operating under the same management. AAHL is the parent company of the Superbowl‑branded Family Entertainment Centres operating in the South of England, offering Tenpin Bowling, Laser Quest, and Amusement Arcades alongside F&B. BAEL operates the Strikes and Riverside Bowl branded venues, providing a vibrant mix of tenpin bowling and family entertainment.

Following a recent transition to Xero as our group‑wide accounting platform, we are now seeking a talented Finance Manager to significantly strengthen our accounts function across both companies and help drive the two businesses further forward.

About The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for a bright, driven, and fully qualified finance professional to step into a high‑visibility role and make it their own. You will work closely with the Group FC and FD and also with the CEO on analytics, taking real ownership of core financial processes and financial compliance across both businesses. We are looking for someone with a genuine aptitude for numbers and analytics – someone who is sharp, commercially and financially curious, and ready to grow with our businesses. An understanding of F&B and labour margins, and the financial dynamics of a hospitality or leisure environment would be an advantage but not essential. For the right candidate, progression to Financial Controller within one to two years, with increased responsibility and remuneration, is a realistic and actively supported ambition and possibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts
• Deliver insightful financial reporting to support senior decision‑making across both businesses
• Study the operational analytics and make adjustments to dynamic pricing
• Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately, and on time, via Xero
• Liaise confidently with the Finance Director, addressing queries promptly
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and group policies
• Support year‑end audit and statutory accounts preparation
• Own and manage the day‑to‑day operation of Xero across both companies
• Maintain clean, accurate data entry and ensure reconciliations are completed
• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline accounting processes
• Act as the internal Xero expert
• Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner
• Support cash flow forecasting, monitoring and variance analysis
• Assist with supplier payments and cash management
• Ensure adherence to group financial policies including purchasing and expenses
• Work collaboratively with site operational teams to provide meaningful pricing proposals
• Support the monitoring and analysis of F&B and wages margins, helping operational teams understand performance and identify areas for improvement
• Provide financial analysis to support commercial decisions and performance improvement
• Build effective working relationships with Centre managers

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Qualified by experience considered for candidates with a strong track record in a similar role

Essential Experience & Skills

• Working knowledge of Xero — this is a critical requirement for the role
• Experience preparing management accounts, VAT returns and financial reconciliations
• Analytical and numerical aptitude with high levels of attention to detail
• Confident in responding to Finance Director and audit queries
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organised and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience in a multi‑entity or group finance environment
• Some experience in the leisure, hospitality, or retail sector
• Experience of using numbers and not just reporting them
• Previous exposure to Sage 50 (migration experience a bonus)

Personal Attributes

• Bright, articulate and numerate
• Proactive and self‑motivated – someone who takes initiative and ownership
• Commercially curious with a genuine appetite to understand the businesses they support
• Collaborative team player who builds effective relationships across the business
• Ambitious and eager with a clear desire to progress into a senior finance leadership role

Working Pattern

The role is primarily based at our Wokingham office. An element of hybrid working may also be considered for the right candidate. Occasional travel between UK sites may be required.

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary of £60,000 p.a. with some flexibility for an exceptional candidate. A genuine and clear pathway to Group Financial Controller within 1–2 years. A high‑profile role with real ownership and the chance to shape the businesses. Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.