Role Purpose
The Transactional Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring the efficient processing of all transactional activities including accounts payable, receivable, and cash management. This role will lead a small team, drive process improvements, and ensure strong financial controls are in place.
Key Responsibilities
Team Management
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 3 transactional finance staff
- Allocate workloads and ensure deadlines are consistently met
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching
Accounts Payable (AP)
- Oversee purchase ledger processes including invoice processing, approvals, and payment runs
- Ensure supplier payments are accurate and made on time
- Manage supplier relationships and resolve escalations
Accounts Receivable (AR)
- Oversee sales ledger, billing, and collection processes
- Monitor aged debt and drive timely collections
- Implement credit control procedures to minimise bad debt
Cash & Banking
- Manage daily cash flow and banking activities
- Prepare short-term cash flow forecasts
- Ensure bank reconciliations are completed accurately and on time
Processes & Controls
- Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with company policies
- Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities
- Maintain accurate financial records and audit trails
Month-End & Reporting Support
- Support month-end close processes, including reconciliations (AP, AR, bank)
- Provide reporting and analysis on transactional activity
- Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure accuracy of financial data
Systems
- Oversee finance systems used for transactional processing
- Support system improvements or implementations where required
Key Requirements
Experience
- Proven experience in a transactional finance role (e.g. AP/AR Manager, Finance Manager)
- Experience managing or supervising a small team
- SME environment experience preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of end-to-end transactional finance processes
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to improve processes and drive efficiencies
- Good communication skills, both internal and external
Qualifications
- AAT qualified or part-qualified (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) preferred
- Relevant experience considered in lieu of formal qualifications
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timeliness and accuracy of AP/AR processing
- Reduction in aged debtors and overdue balances
- Accuracy of reconciliations and financial records
- Process efficiency improvements
- Team performance and development
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on and proactive approach
- Strong problem-solving mindset
- Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced SME environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented
