Finance Manager (Manufacturing)

We are seeking an experienced hands-on Finance Manager to take ownership of the management accounts, financial controls and day-to-day processes for a Birmingham based manufacturing business. Working as part of a small finance team and reporting to the Group Finance Director, the successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting skills with a practical, commercially focused approach. This is a key role within the business, responsible for delivering timely and accurate financial information to directors and the management team.

The Finance Manager will provide clear insight into performance against strategy, support informed decision-making and identify financial or operational issues requiring management attention. The Finance Manager will maintain oversight of the full finance function and be prepared to work at every level when required. The remit ranges from transactional processing and payroll to management accounts, statutory compliance and liaison with HMRC.

The role also includes supporting and developing junior colleagues, coordinating intercompany transactions and ensuring that accurate consolidation information is available to the business in a timely manner. The Finance Manager will act as a trusted business partner to colleagues across the organisation, including those without a finance background. The successful candidate must be able to explain financial issues and insights clearly, translate them into commercial implications and provide practical guidance that helps colleagues make better decisions and perform their roles effectively.

Benefits and package:

• Circa £55000 salary depending on experience
• On site 25 Days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays and an additional birthday holiday
• Company Statutory Pension
• Hours of work - 7 am to 4 pm Monday-Thursday, 7 am to 12 pm Fridays
• On-site parking
• Discretionary annual bonus linked to business performance
• Staff Discount on retail purchases
• Staff healthcare scheme

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including meaningful commentary and variance analysis, within the agreed reporting timetable
• Balance sheet reconciliations
• Own the budgeting, forecasting and cash flow process
• Oversee the sales and purchase ledgers, monitor working capital and ensure that customer receipts and supplier payments are managed in line with agreed terms
• Preparation of VAT Returns
• Responsible for weekly/monthly payroll processing
• Coordinate the year-end process and provide accurate schedules, reconciliations and supporting information to the external accountants for the statutory accounts, audit and tax computations
• Ensure accurate and timely compliance with VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax requirements, maintaining appropriate records and liaising with HMRC when necessary
• Work collaboratively with the wider finance team and operational colleagues to obtain information, resolve issues and deliver accurate financial reporting
• Identify and support improvements to finance systems, controls and reporting processes, including the effective use of new technology
• Work with the Operations Manager to plan and oversee stocktakes, investigate variances and improve the accuracy of inventory records

Required Experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with substantial post-qualification experience in an SME environment
• Solid technical accounting knowledge
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables and lookup functions
• Experience in management accounts preparation
• Able to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver accurate work to agreed deadlines
• Comfortable working across both transactional and management accounting activities and providing practical support to colleagues when required
• Consistently delivers accurate work, follows through on commitments and meets reporting and compliance deadlines
• Manufacturing or Engineering sector experience preferred
• Excellent communicator both written and verbally

If you are interested in becoming the next finance manager and Birmingham is a commutable location, apply today and a consultant will respond within 24 hours.