Payroll and Finance Manager in Newark on Trent

My client are a thriving business based in Newark. They are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join their team on a 16 month FTC.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on professional who enjoys leading teams while remaining actively involved in day-to-day office operations. The successful candidate will oversee payroll, financial compliance, and reporting, while supporting the wider business with budgeting, forecasting, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, coach and develop a small finance team, including recruitment, performance management and ongoing development.
• Manage the end‑to‑end 4‑weekly payroll process, including stakeholder pensions and all associated HMRC statutory reporting and submissions.
• Oversee employee expenses, petty cash and related financial processes.
• Support the preparation of budgets, forecasts and monthly financial reporting.
• Manage and oversee the work of the Credit Controller.
• Supervise the Purchase Ledger function, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across the team.
• Prepare VAT returns and support wider tax‑related activities.
• Liaise with external auditors and support the preparation of year‑end financial information.
• Manage business insurance administration, including handling queries and coordinating claims where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and controls, implementing changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Support and oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts for review by external accountants.
• Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders across the business, providing financial support and guidance where required.

The Candidate

• Proven experience leading and developing a finance or payroll team.
• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA or ACA).
• A Level 5 Payroll Management qualification or significant equivalent payroll experience.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and financial regulations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using accounting software, ideally Sage.
• Excellent attention to detail and a highly organised approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• The ability to prioritise workloads and perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving.