At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Sage 50 implementation and enhance financial reporting processes.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Blackburn with a focus on financial improvement.
- Benefits: Opportunity for permanent role and progression to Finance Director.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and support a thriving business during an exciting transition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on finance role with growth potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with Sage 50, cash-flow management, and financial reporting.
We are recruiting an experienced, hands-on Finance Manager or Financial Controller to join an established manufacturing business in Blackburn. The company has an annual turnover of approximately £10 million, employs around 60 people and is entering an important period of financial improvement and development. The existing finance structure includes ledger clerks alongside the support of a Fractional Finance Director. The successful candidate will initially join on a temporary basis for three months. However, there is a strong likelihood that the position will develop into a permanent appointment with progression to FD over time. Immediate availability is essential, or you must be able to start at very short notice.
Your immediate priority will be to lead the implementation of Sage 50, ensuring the system is correctly established and capable of supporting accurate, timely financial reporting. Alongside the Sage 50 implementation, you will introduce appropriate financial controls, reporting processes and measures across the business. This is a hands-on position requiring someone comfortable taking ownership of both system implementation and day-to-day financial management. You will work closely with the Fractional Finance Director, preparing reliable financial information and monthly management accounts for FD review and sign-off.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the implementation and configuration of Sage 50
- Review existing finance processes and introduce appropriate controls and measures
- Establish accurate and dependable financial reporting procedures
- Take ownership of short- and medium-term cash-flow management and forecasting
- Prepare monthly management accounts for review and sign-off by the Fractional Finance Director
- Produce supporting analysis, reconciliations and commentary
- Monitor working capital, including debtors, creditors and cash requirements
- Support the business through its year-end accounting process
- Liaise with the Fractional Finance Director, external accountants and other professional advisers
- Support VAT registration requirements where necessary
- Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns
- Oversee and support the existing ledger clerks
- Improve the accuracy, consistency and timeliness of financial information
- Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, controls and management reporting
- Assist senior management with financial information and commercial decision-making
About you
You will be an experienced and practical finance professional who can quickly assess the current position, establish priorities and begin making improvements. You must have:
- Previous experience implementing Sage 50 within a business
- Strong cash-flow management and forecasting experience
- Experience preparing complete monthly management accounts
- A good understanding of financial controls, reconciliations and reporting processes
- Experience supporting year-end accounts
- Knowledge of VAT registration, VAT accounting and VAT returns
- The confidence to work closely with a Fractional Finance Director and senior management
- The ability to oversee and support transactional finance staff
- A hands-on approach and willingness to become involved in the detail
- Immediate availability or the ability to begin at very short notice
Experience within manufacturing, engineering or a similarly operational SME environment would be particularly beneficial. Applications are welcomed from qualified, part-qualified and qualified-by-experience finance professionals who can demonstrate the necessary practical experience. If you are immediately available and have personally implemented Sage 50, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Finance Manager in Blackburn employer: Pure 4 Recruitment
Join a dynamic manufacturing business in Blackburn that values hands-on leadership and offers a supportive work culture. With a focus on financial improvement, this role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, including the potential for progression to Finance Director. Enjoy a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the company's success and financial stability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Blackburn
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Pure 4 Recruitment.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Pure 4 Recruitment might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Pure 4 Recruitment will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Pure 4 Recruitment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Pure 4 Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure 4 Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Pure 4 Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Pure 4 Recruitment that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
