Finance Manager (Optical)

Finance Manager (Optical)

Farnham Full-Time 42000 - 70000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage payroll, and ensure financial controls are solid.
  • Company: Join Leightons, a family-run business caring for eyes and ears since 1928.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a supportive team, and the chance to shape a growing business.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in a people-focused role while working with numbers you love.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in finance, strong leadership, Excel skills, and attention to detail required.
  • Other info: Be part of a company that values honesty and teamwork.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 70000 Β£ per year.

Recruiter Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership

Location: Head Office (4 days in the office, 1 day WFH)
Hours: Full Time

At Leightons, we\’ve been caring for eyes and ears and people since 1928. As a proudly independent, family-run business, we know our success is built on our people, their talents and their shared belief in doing things the right way. With 35 branches and a thriving partnership network, we\’re growing fast – and we\’re looking for a Finance Manager to help keep our numbers, and our future, in focus.

About the Role

As our Finance Manager (Optical), you\’ll lead a close-knit team of seven, covering purchase ledger, payroll and assistant accountants. You\’ll be the calm, capable presence ensuring our financial controls are rock-solid, our processes are smooth, and our branch teams feel fully supported.

From preparing monthly branch P&Ls, overseeing payroll and managing month-end tasks, to hunting out smarter ways of working, you\’ll be key to keeping Leightons in great financial shape. It\’s a hands-on, people-focused role perfect for someone who loves numbers as much as they love making a difference.

What You\’ll Bring

  • A minimum of 5 years\’ experience in a similar finance role
  • Confident team leadership skills
  • Excellent Excel skills
  • Experience in payroll and managing a busy accounts function, ideally in a fast-moving consumer business
  • Brilliant organisational skills and a cool head under pressure
  • Eagle-eyed attention to detail and a drive to see a job well done
  • Honest, reliable, and ready to roll up your sleeves

Why Join Leightons?

  • Be part of a family business with real values and purpose
  • Work with a friendly team in a supportive environment
  • Help shape the future of a growing business
  • Enjoy a mix of office and home working

If you\’re ready to bring your expertise to a business that cares deeply about people – customers and colleagues alike – we\’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and see your future clearly with Leightons.

Department Finance Locations Farnham Remote status Hybrid Yearly salary Β£50,000 Employment type Full-time Brand Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care

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Finance Manager (Optical) employer: Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership

At Leightons, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values its people and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Finance Manager, you'll enjoy a blend of office and home working, while leading a dedicated team in a role that not only focuses on financial excellence but also contributes to the well-being of our customers and colleagues. With opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to doing things the right way, Leightons is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (Optical)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Leightons' values and mission. As a family-run business, they value integrity and a people-focused approach. Demonstrating your alignment with these values during any interactions can set you apart.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your leadership experience in finance roles. Since you'll be managing a team, showcasing specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved processes will resonate well with the hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with financial controls and payroll management. Be ready to share insights on how you've implemented effective financial strategies in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of Leightons if possible. Understanding their experiences and the company culture can provide you with valuable insights that you can use to tailor your approach during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (Optical)

Financial Management
Team Leadership
Advanced Excel Skills
Payroll Management
Accounts Function Oversight
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Time Management
Adaptability
Analytical Skills
Customer Focus
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, particularly in team leadership and managing accounts functions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in Excel and payroll management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for numbers and your people-focused approach. Mention why you want to work at Leightons and how your values align with theirs. Be sure to include your experience in fast-moving consumer businesses.

Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles. For example, mention how you improved financial processes or led a successful project that resulted in cost savings.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Finance Manager role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Leightons Opticians & The Hearing Care Partnership

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Finance Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support your colleagues.

✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen

Make sure you can talk confidently about financial controls, payroll management, and preparing P&Ls. Brush up on relevant financial regulations and best practices, as well as any software tools you’ve used, especially Excel, which is crucial for this role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or improve processes. Prepare to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.

✨Align with Company Values

Leightons prides itself on its family-run values and commitment to people. Research the company culture and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show genuine enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive environment and making a difference.

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