At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of finance operations and drive process improvements in a dynamic SME.
- Company: Growing SME near Bishops Stortford with a fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with direct access to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing insights into performance and profitability.
- Qualifications: Qualified or QBE accountant with strong technical skills and SME experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with our growing SME business, near Bishops Stortford, to find a new Finance Manager. The company operates in a fast-paced environment and is seeking an experienced, hands-on Finance Manager to strengthen financial control, improve reporting, and support ongoing growth. This would suit a Finance Manager who enjoys being close to the numbers and driving process improvement.
You'll take ownership of day-to-day finance operations while partnering closely with the MD and wider leadership team to provide clear insight into performance and profitability. The role will be required on site with the potential for 1 day per week hybrid following probation.
Assignment Details- Full ownership of day-to-day finance (ledgers, bank recs, payroll)
- Monthly management accounts, cashflow forecasting and variance analysis
- Improving systems, controls and reporting
- Working closely with the MD and external accountants
- Budgeting, forecasting and year-end support
- Commercial insight and support to the business
- Reviewing invoicing, job costing and project profitability
- Ensuring compliance across VAT, PAYE etc
- Qualified or QBE accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong technical grounding with an appetite for hands-on involvement
- Proven experience in an SME or owner-managed business environment
- Commercially focused, proactive, and comfortable driving change
- Excellent systems skills (e.g. Xero, Sage, or similar) and confident with Excel reporting
- Collaborative, pragmatic, and confident working directly with senior stakeholders
Finance Manager in Colchester employer: Mature Accountants ltd
Contact Detail:
Mature Accountants ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in SMEs. They might know about openings before they're even advertised, and a personal recommendation can really give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some research! Understand the company’s financial health and recent developments. This will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around improving systems and controls. We want to hear you confidently share your insights on performance and profitability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in day-to-day finance operations and any hands-on involvement you've had in improving systems and controls. We want to see how you can bring value to our fast-paced environment!
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 process improvements and provided commercial insight in previous positions. Let us know how you can support our ongoing growth!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Since we're looking for someone with strong systems skills, make sure to mention your experience with software like Xero or Sage. If you're confident with Excel reporting, shout about it! We love candidates who are comfortable with the tools that help drive financial success.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mature Accountants ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on key metrics and reports relevant to the company’s operations. Be ready to discuss how you've used financial insights to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires a hands-on approach, so prepare examples of how you've managed day-to-day finance operations. Highlight your experience with ledgers, payroll, and cash flow forecasting to demonstrate your capability.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the SME environment and the specific challenges it faces. Be prepared to discuss how you can provide commercial insight and support growth, showing that you understand the bigger picture beyond just numbers.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with the MD and leadership team, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare questions that show your interest in collaboration and how you can add value to their decision-making process.