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- Tasks: Lead the UK finance function, ensuring robust financial control and insightful analysis.
- Company: Established SME manufacturing business in East Sussex with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a key leadership role and drive financial success in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in SME environments, preferably in manufacturing.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to influence strategic decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are exclusively supporting an established SME manufacturing business (circa £3-4m turnover) in East Sussex with the appointment of an experienced Finance Manager on a 9-month FTC, starting in March. This is a key leadership role within the UK business, acting as the UK Finance Lead with full responsibility for overseeing all financial aspects of the UK operation, while providing support and insight aligned to wider Group strategy. Reporting into Group, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the business through strong financial control, commercial insight, and strategic decision-making.
You will be responsible for assessing, communicating, and navigating financial performance, highlighting risks and opportunities, and supporting the business on its journey towards profitability and long-term sustainable growth.
Key responsibilities include:- Full ownership of the UK finance function, ensuring robust financial control and reporting
- Oversight of monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow
- Providing clear financial insight, analysis, and recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Identifying financial risks, investment opportunities, and performance improvement initiatives
- Supporting the UK leadership team with commercial business partnering
- Driving cross-functional engagement across operations, sales, and supply chain
- Ensuring alignment with Group financial policies, processes, and strategic objectives
- Supporting year-end processes and audit requirements
- Managing Payroll
- Managing VAT/Tax
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent experience
- Proven experience in an SME environment, ideally within manufacturing or FMCG sectors
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders
- Excellent Microsoft Excel skills and with experience of Quickbooks being advantageous
- Hands-on, pragmatic approach suited to a growing SME
- Comfortable operating as a standalone UK finance lead within a group structure
- Strong communication skills and the ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day delivery
- Competitive salary and benefits
- 9-month fixed-term contract
- Key leadership role within a growing SME
- Opportunity to make a tangible impact on business performance
- East Sussex based role, with some flexibility depending on the business needs
Finance Manager in Uckfield employer: Kate+Co
Contact Detail:
Kate+Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Uckfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding the specific challenges faced by SMEs in manufacturing. We want you to showcase your commercial acumen and how you can influence stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss real-life examples of how you've driven financial performance improvements in previous roles. We want you to highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve navigated financial risks and opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Uckfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial control, budgeting, and forecasting, especially in an SME environment. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and supported leadership teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your Excel prowess and any experience with Quickbooks. These are key skills for the Finance Manager position. We want to know how you’ve used these tools to make an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kate+Co
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the SME sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s operations, especially within the manufacturing sector. Familiarise yourself with their products, market position, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your insights during the interview and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or opportunities. Think of examples from your previous experience where you identified risks or improved performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Finance Manager, you’ll need to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully done this in the past. Highlight your ability to simplify financial jargon and engage with cross-functional teams.
