Accounts Manager (Finance & Payroll) in Cannock

Overview

8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon – Thurs) 8:30am – 4:00 pm (Friday) £30k – 34k (depending on experience – to achieve the 34k you must be able to meet all essential skills and experience)

Reports to: Managing Director

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Accounts Manager (Finance & Payroll) to take full ownership of day-to-day finance operations within a growing SME environment. This is a broad, standalone role reporting directly to the Managing Director, responsible for financial operations, month-end and year-end close, payroll, compliance, and coordination with external auditors and advisors. The successful candidate will be confident managing the full finance function and improving processes where possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations (AP, AR & Cashflow)

• Manage Accounts Payable: supplier onboarding, invoice processing, approvals, payment runs, statement reconciliations, and query resolution
• Manage Accounts Receivable: raising sales invoices and credit notes, cash allocation, debtor control, credit management, and overdue collections
• Complete bank reconciliations and monitor daily cashflow
• Support short-term cash planning and reporting
• Process expense claims and company card reconciliations

• Lead the month-end close process including journals, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare monthly management accounts and reporting packs
• Support quarterly reporting and analysis
• Coordinate year-end accounts preparation and audit files
• Liaise with external accountants and auditors to ensure a smooth audit process

• Process weekly and/or monthly payroll, including starters, leavers, pay changes, deductions, and pensions
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure HMRC compliance
• Handle payroll-related queries professionally and confidentially
• Coordinate payroll changes with management and HR support providers

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and supporting reconciliations
• Support PAYE, pension, and statutory reporting obligations
• Maintain strong financial controls, policies, and documentation

• Maintain finance systems and ensure accurate customer, supplier, and nominal data
• Produce regular reports including P&L, balance sheet, aged debtors/creditors, cash position, and KPIs
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities

Skills & Experience – Essential

• Proven experience in an Accounts Manager or Finance Manager role within an SME
• Strong hands-on experience across AP, AR, bank reconciliations, journals, and month-end/year-end close
• Payroll processing experience (end-to-end)
• Experience supporting audits and working with external accountants
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations)
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to manage deadlines and resolve issues

Desirable

• AAT qualified or equivalent (ACCA/CIMA part or fully qualified is advantageous)
• Experience with VAT, multi-currency, import/export, or stock accounting
• Familiarity with finance systems such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP Business One, or Dynamics

Personal Attributes

• Trustworthy and discreet, handling sensitive financial and payroll data
• Proactive with a strong sense of ownership
• Calm and resilient during month-end and audit periods
• Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset

Benefits Package

• Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum
• Holiday: 23 days per annum (increasing with service)
• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Life Insurance: 4× salary
• Optional private healthcare (part funded)
• Hybrid working considered after initial period