At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and shape financial strategies for growth.
- Company: Dynamic SME with a focus on innovation and expansion.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, flexible hours, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment and influence key decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles; strong communication and management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45360 - 55440 £ per year.
KC Group is working with a growing entrepreneurial SME with a group of businesses across multiple sectors, entering an exciting phase of expansion. As a result, they are looking to appoint a Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function and help build the financial infrastructure needed to support continued growth. This is a high-impact role working closely with the Managing Director, offering genuine scope to shape the finance function and progress into a Financial Controller position over time. This position will evolve the finance function from a primarily transactional and compliance-based environment into a forward-looking, insight-driven function. You will introduce improved reporting, budgeting and forecasting to support strategic decision-making as the business scales.
Key Responsibilities
- You will take overall ownership of the finance function, leading and developing a small team while acting as a key business partner to the Managing Director and wider leadership team.
- This will involve collaborating closely with operational, sales and purchasing teams, as well as managing relationships with external advisors and banking partners.
- You will be responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, including full monthly management accounts with clear commentary on performance, risks and opportunities.
- Maintaining strong financial control across the balance sheet, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and supporting quarterly reporting obligations will form a key part of the role.
- A core focus will be improving cash flow visibility and working capital management, through the development of rolling forecasts, monitoring stock and debtor positions, and proactively identifying risks to liquidity while supporting informed decision-making.
- You will also introduce and lead structured budgeting and forecasting processes, delivering annual budgets, rolling forecasts and variance analysis, while building financial models to support strategic planning and translating financial data into clear insight for non-finance stakeholders.
- From a commercial perspective, you will provide valuable analysis on margins, pricing and profitability, supporting supplier negotiations, monitoring cost of goods and identifying opportunities to improve financial performance, as well as contributing to new product launches and growth initiatives.
- Alongside this, you will play a key role in strengthening systems and processes, improving reporting tools and data visibility, enhancing financial controls appropriate for a growing SME, and supporting the implementation of the Unleashed inventory system alongside existing Xero systems.
About You
- Experience within product-based, manufacturing, FMCG or stock-led environments would be advantageous.
- Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), part-qualified or strong QBE candidates will all be considered.
- Experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar.
- Background in a growing SME or entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong management accounts, forecasting and budgeting experience.
- Comfortable building processes in a scaling business.
- Able to communicate financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
- Commercially minded with the ability to influence decision-making.
You’ll be joining a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business where ideas are encouraged, ownership is valued, and you can make a real impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with leadership and shape the future of the finance function.
Benefits include:
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Flexible working hours (core hours 10:00am – 4:30pm)
- Clear progression to Financial Controller
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
Finance Manager in Stevenage employer: KC Group Recruitment
KC Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Client Accounting Managers can thrive. With a strong focus on career development, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to build meaningful relationships with clients in the rural sector, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally. The supportive culture, combined with opportunities to mentor junior team members and engage in industry events, makes this a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Stevenage
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like KC Group Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to KC Group Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on KC Group Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KC Group Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with KC Group Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at KC Group Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former KC Group Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
