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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 strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, key leadership role, and opportunity to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to suit business needs.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and drive financial performance in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in SME environments, preferably in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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
About You
- 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
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits
- 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 employer: KC Group Recruitment
Contact Detail:
KC Group Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial performance. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them navigate their financial challenges and drive profitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen during interviews. Use examples from your past experiences where you influenced non-finance stakeholders or improved financial processes. This will highlight your fit for the role.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
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 our needs!
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. Mention your commercial acumen and how you can influence non-finance stakeholders. We love a good story that connects your experience to our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like improving financial performance or streamlining processes. We’re looking for someone who can make a tangible impact on our business.
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 KC Group Recruitment
✨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, especially in manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've influenced non-financial stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when your insights led to strategic decisions or improved profitability. This will show that you can bridge the gap between finance and operations.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to identify financial risks or opportunities. Practising these types of questions will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a key leadership role, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams and cross-functional engagement. Share specific examples of how you've led financial initiatives and collaborated with other departments to achieve business goals.