At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive transformation in a dynamic food business.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a top UK food supplier with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, private medical, and more.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a leading company and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in financial operations and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Based in Manchester M2 6DN, (Hybrid) Permanent, Full Time.
Join Premier Foods - where people, brands and purpose come together. We're proud to be one of the UK's largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain's best-loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK's top three ambient food suppliers.
This is a rare opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Premier Business Services (PBS), shaping a future-ready Financial Operations function as we continue our journey towards a true Centre of Excellence.
As Head of Financial Operations, you'll have end-to-end ownership of critical financial lifecycles, leading high-impact teams across Commercial Credit, Receivables, Risk, Governance and Accounts Payable. You'll bring clarity, accountability and momentum-strengthening governance, uplifting capability and enabling transformation at pace to support sustainable business growth.
- Defining and delivering a Financial Operations strategy aligned to Premier Business Services Centre of Excellence ambition.
- Modernising financial operations through best-in-class service, strong controls, automation and continuous improvement.
- Acting as a senior SME, influencing Group Finance strategy across lifecycle performance, risk, governance and cash discipline.
- Leading the end-to-end Financial Operations organisation, embedding clear control frameworks, audit readiness and risk mitigation across all operational areas.
- Leading and developing a diverse, multi-disciplinary leadership team, building deep SME capability across AP, O2C, Credit, Risk and Governance.
- Leading large-scale process simplification, automation and digital enablement initiatives.
- Partnering with Finance Systems and Business Change teams on lifecycle redesign, UAT and systems optimisation, including SAP-led transformation.
Significant senior leadership experience across Financial Operations, including O2C, AP, Credit, Risk and Governance.
A strong track record of transforming large, complex teams and embedding high-performance cultures.
Deep understanding of financial controls, governance, audit and risk management.
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
SAP experience strongly preferred, with exposure to major systems transformation highly desirable.
At Premier Foods, we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process.
Locations
Finance Manager - ACCA / CIMA in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Premier Foods
At Premier Foods, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions inclusion, authenticity, and individuality. Located in the heart of Manchester, our hybrid working model provides flexibility while you lead transformative financial operations for some of the UK's most beloved brands. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a bonus scheme, private medical care, and opportunities for professional growth, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - ACCA / CIMA in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Premier Foods. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - ACCA / CIMA in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Premier Foods.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Premier Foods's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Premier Foods.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Premier Foods will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Premier Foods employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.