At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team and manage all financial operations for a fast-paced SME.
- Company: Established business in the food sector, partnering with top UK high street names.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual leave, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Office-based role with a focus on multi-currency trading and international relationships.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Chartered Accountant with strong management and accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client is an established, fast‑paced SME business supplying into the food sector, partnering with some of the UK's most recognisable high street names. With operations spanning the UK and Ireland - including multi‑currency trading and international supplier relationships - this is a business where finance is central to commercial success.
Responsibilities
- Leading and supporting a team of 3, plus 1 remote team member
- Full ownership of month‑end management accounts, year‑end and external audit
- Overseeing all finance operations – general ledger, purchase ledger, credit control, accounts payable and receivable, expenses, payroll, cash and bank reconciliations
- Preparing and analysing financial statements, providing meaningful insights to support director‑level decision making
- Ensuring compliance with VAT, customs legislation, tax obligations and all relevant legal and insurance requirements
- Partnering with sales teams and stakeholders across the business, including third party providers, customers and suppliers
- Contributing to finance strategy, budgeting and the ongoing development of the finance function
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact Finance Manager role for a fully qualified accountant ready to take ownership of the finance function, from day‑to‑day operations right through to year‑end and audit, whilst playing a key role in shaping finance strategy in the future.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified Chartered Accountant – ACCA, ACA or CIMA
- Proven end‑to‑end management accounts and year‑end/audit experience
- Sage 50 experience essential; Exchequer desirable (training provided)
- Strong payroll, VAT, customs and general accounting knowledge
- A confident team manager, able to lead a small team including a remote worker, with a hands‑on, self‑starting approach
- Commercially minded with strong communication skills across all levels
- Organised, detail‑oriented and able to manage competing priorities to tight deadlines
Benefits and Working Arrangements
- Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 depending on experience
- Location: Hertfordshire – fully office based
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:30 (40 hours per week)
- Annual leave: 21 days, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Managing a team of 3 office‑based staff plus 1 remote team member
- High‑profile blue chip client base
- Multi‑currency remit across UK, Ireland and international suppliers
Finance Manager – Lead End-to-End Accounts & Audit in Leeds employer: O A
Join a dynamic SME in Hertfordshire that places finance at the heart of its operations, supporting renowned high street brands. With a collaborative work culture and a focus on employee development, this role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team while contributing to strategic financial decisions. Enjoy competitive benefits, including increasing annual leave and the opportunity to work with a diverse, international client base.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager – Lead End-to-End Accounts & Audit in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities in SMEs. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial regulations and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled month-end management accounts and audits in the past. Show them you’re the hands-on Finance Manager they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Research companies in the food sector and reach out directly. Express your interest in their finance roles and highlight your relevant experience. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager – Lead End-to-End Accounts & Audit in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with end-to-end management accounts and audits, and don’t forget to mention your qualifications like ACCA, ACA, or CIMA.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong communication skills and team management experience. Include examples of how you've led teams and partnered with stakeholders in previous roles to demonstrate your hands-on approach.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, ensure your application is free from typos and errors. Organise your information clearly, making it easy for us to see how you meet the job requirements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at O A
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around management accounts and audits. Be ready to discuss your experience with month-end processes and how you've contributed to financial strategy in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Finance Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly any remote team members. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you motivate your team to meet tight deadlines.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the food sector and the specific challenges it faces. Being able to discuss how finance plays a central role in commercial success will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance is key in this role, be ready to talk about your knowledge of VAT, customs legislation, and tax obligations. Think of specific instances where you've ensured compliance and how you navigated any challenges.
