At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day finance activities and support financial reporting in a dynamic maritime environment.
- Company: Join a supportive team at John Good Group, a leader in maritime services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cash plan, and a birthday day off!
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we value every unique background.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in finance, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Based at our offices in Royal Dock Chambers, Flour Square, Grimsby DN31 3LW. We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager (Maternity Cover) to join our Maritime team on a 12 month fixed term basis commencing July 2026 to provide cover during a period of maternity leave. Normal working hours are 7.5 hours per day, Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 5.30pm. Although this position is advertised as full time, we also welcome applications from candidates preferring part‑time hours.
Good things you can get:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Birthday day off work
- Contributory pension scheme (up to 8% matched contribution)
- Life assurance (4x if contributing 4% into the pension)
- Health cash plan and YuLife membership, with virtual GP and EAP Referral Scheme
- Long service awards including gifts and increased annual holiday entitlement
- Employee volunteering and matched charitable donations
- Social events such as a family summer BBQ and Christmas party
- Twice a year draw to “live your dream” with a bucket list activity of your choice paid for by John Good Group
About the role:
As a Finance Manager you will support the Financial Controller (Maritime) and take responsibility for day‑to‑day accounting activities, assist with Group financial reporting, monitor expenses, and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements. The role will require you to work closely with the wider Maritime Finance team as well as the Operations and Customs departments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assist in preparing monthly sales reconciliations between the Agency system and Sage.
- Prepare WIP and Cost of Sales accruals for inclusion in monthly management accounts.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of port expenses, vessel disbursement accounts (PDAs/FDAs), and voyage‑related costs.
- Support cash‑flow management by ensuring timely payment to suppliers, port authorities, and service providers in accordance with agreed credit terms.
- Liaise with suppliers to resolve invoicing or billing discrepancies.
- Process international remittances and foreign currency payments as required.
- Maintain a robust debtor‑chasing process, ensuring outstanding balances are followed up promptly and effectively.
- Ensure all financial transactions comply with internal policies, accounting standards, and applicable maritime/port regulations.
- Support internal and external audits by providing accurate and timely documentation.
About you:
- 2–4 years’ experience in an accounting or finance role.
- Experience within the shipping, logistics, port operations, or maritime industry is desirable but not essential.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and general ledger processes.
- Experience with Sage is desirable but not essential.
- Professional qualifications (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) are advantageous but not essential.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work to deadlines within a fast‑paced operational environment.
- High level of accuracy and reliability.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
- Proactive approach to problem‑solving.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to maritime finance systems and processes.
Our people are fundamental to our success. If you possess the above qualities and enjoy working with a small, supportive team, please attach your CV with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria and what attracted you to this position.
Diversity and inclusion:
We respect and value difference and seek to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values the diversity of our employees. We believe in providing an environment where everyone, from any background, has access to the opportunities to grow and succeed.
GDPR:
John Good Group cares about your privacy and is committed to processing your personal information in accordance with the GDPR Data Privacy Laws. By submitting your CV you agree that your personal data will be retained in a secure location for up to 6 months to enable us to match and notify you of suitable opportunities. After this period your information will be confidentially destroyed.
Finance Manager (Maternity Cover) employer: John Good Group
Contact Detail:
John Good Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and maritime sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Familiarise yourself with their financial practices and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance management. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in accounting and finance, especially if you've worked in maritime or logistics. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the criteria listed in the job description and what attracted you to this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Finance Manager, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their work neatly and accurately.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Good Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting principles and general ledger processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial reporting and how you've handled day-to-day accounting activities in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers, but you can also manage them effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Maritime Finance
Even if you don’t have direct experience in the maritime industry, do some research on common practices and regulations. Understanding the basics of port operations and logistics will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as resolving invoicing discrepancies or managing cash flow. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with various departments, so be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your proactive approach and willingness to learn, as these traits are essential for fitting into a small, supportive team.