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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 focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, key leadership role, and opportunity to impact business performance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a growing company while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in SME environments, preferably in manufacturing or FMCG.
- Other info: Flexible working options available based on business needs.
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
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 in London employer: KC Group Recruitment
Contact Detail:
KC Group Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in London
✨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. Show them you’re not just a numbers person but someone who can drive strategic decisions and support growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting how your skills align with their needs. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we’re always here to support you on your journey to landing that Finance Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in London
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 commercial insight, especially in an SME or manufacturing context. 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. Let us know how you can make an impact!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. If you have experience with Quickbooks or strong Excel skills, shout about them! We’re keen on seeing how your background fits into our needs.
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 financial data to drive decision-making and improve performance in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires strong commercial insight. Prepare examples of how you've influenced non-financial stakeholders in the past. Think about times when your financial recommendations led to significant business improvements or cost savings.
✨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. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will show your strategic thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Engage with the Leadership Team
Since you'll be supporting the UK leadership team, think about how you can foster cross-functional engagement. Prepare to discuss how you’ve collaborated with other departments in the past and how you plan to align financial strategies with broader business objectives.
