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- Tasks: Take charge of finance operations and drive strategic decision-making in a growing engineering firm.
- Company: Established engineering services business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to senior leadership and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain ownership of financial processes and influence key business decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with at least 3 years of finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
A growing and well‑established engineering services business is seeking a commercially minded Finance Manager to take ownership of its finance function. Operating within the MEICA sector (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation), the business supports a range of infrastructure and industrial projects across the UK. Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, this is a hands‑on role offering full responsibility for local financial operations, alongside meaningful exposure to group reporting, strategic decision‑making, and operational performance. This position would suit a qualified accountant looking to step into a broad, autonomous role within a growing SME environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Control
- Prepare and deliver monthly management accounts in line with group deadlines
- Provide clear variance analysis, forecasts, and insightful commentary
- Maintain balance sheet integrity through regular reconciliations
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements (including VAT)
- Act as the primary contact for auditors and external advisors
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Support the annual budgeting and planning process
- Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast
- Provide meaningful analysis and recommendations to support decision‑making
- Business Partnering & Analysis
- Deliver high-quality financial analysis to support operational and strategic initiatives
- Partner with operational teams, including project managers, to improve financial visibility and performance
- Contribute to management reporting, dashboards, and presentations
- Support business cases, investment appraisals, and potential M&A activity
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Identify and implement improvements to financial processes and controls
- Support ongoing development and optimisation of finance systems
About You
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a finance role (practice or industry)
- Experience in a commercial finance or SME environment is advantageous
- Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP)
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting systems (e.g. Sage or similar ERP)
Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Confident communicator, able to engage with both finance and non‑finance stakeholders
- Proactive, hands‑on approach with a continuous improvement mindset
Working Arrangements
- Office‑based with hybrid flexibility (subject to business needs)
- Occasional travel may be required
Why Apply?
- Broad and autonomous role with real ownership
- Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making
- Opportunity to shape processes in a growing business
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Finance Manager in City in Wales employer: LJ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
LJ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in City in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in SMEs or engineering services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their financial operations and think about how you can contribute to their success. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to take ownership of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring examples of your variance analysis or budgeting experience to the table – it’ll make you stand out.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in City in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you're a qualified accountant, and showcase your experience in finance roles that 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 the Finance Manager role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to partner with operational teams, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with accounting systems like Sage. We want to see how you can bring your technical knowledge to improve our financial processes and controls.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing business!
How to prepare for a job interview at LJ Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've delivered insightful variance analysis or improved financial processes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires engaging with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of scenarios where you've successfully partnered with operational teams to enhance financial visibility and performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to budgeting, forecasting, or compliance. Think about how you would approach these situations and what steps you would take to ensure accuracy and integrity.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The company values a proactive approach to process improvement. Be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or contributed to that enhanced financial systems or controls. Highlight your experience with tools like Excel or ERP systems and how you've leveraged them for better outcomes.