At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage accounts, cashflow, and reporting.
- Company: Join a successful, privately-owned parts distribution business with a strong market position.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, health support, and increasing holiday days.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a respected company with a supportive culture and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experienced accountant with leadership skills and financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join a successful, privately-owned parts distribution business with sales of over £50m and backed by a financially strong parent group that has invested significantly in a new warehouse and modern offices. Lead a capable finance team, take ownership of management accounts, cashflow, reporting and compliance, and work closely with both the Group Finance Director and General Manager. This is a senior role in a well-established business known for its down-to-earth, empowering culture, long-serving team and strong platform for continued success. You will play a central role in supporting operational performance and financial control across the business. Based in Didcot, this is an excellent opportunity to join a respected specialist business with over 40 years of heritage, a strong market position and the backing of a robust privately-owned, profitable and well-capitalised parent group.
Why join the business?
- Well-established, privately owned group with a strong track record and long-term outlook
- Successful, profitable business operating in a specialist aftermarket parts niche
- Huge recent investment in warehouse and office facilities
- Broad, commercially involved role with senior stakeholder exposure
- Supportive, pragmatic, empowering culture with a loyal and long-serving team
The role
Reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the General Manager, the Finance Manager will lead the finance function and provide high-quality financial and operational support to the wider business. The role combines strong technical accounting responsibility with commercial involvement, team leadership and day-to-day operational partnering.
Key responsibilities
- Oversee company accounts and lead the preparation and review of monthly management accounts and draft annual financial statements
- Manage and support the finance team in day-to-day operations
- Lead cashflow planning, financial reporting and statutory compliance activity
- Manage the year-end audit process and liaise with external auditors
- Oversee payroll, VAT and other HMRC filings, accounts receivable and accounts payable
- Support budgeting, cost control and ongoing business planning
- Partner with operational leadership on systems, processes and performance improvement
About you
You will be an experienced accountant with proven leadership capability, sound financial and commercial acumen, and the credibility to work effectively with senior stakeholders across the business. This role will suit someone who enjoys combining robust financial control with practical operational support in a fast-moving environment.
Salary and benefits
The role is ideally pitched at £60,000-£65,000, with flexibility for a particularly strong candidate. Benefits include pension contribution, 24 days’ holiday increasing with service to 27 days, death in service, health and wellbeing support, employee discount, on-site parking and modern office facilities.
Working pattern
This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week. The preference is for someone to be on site five days a week, although the business is open to sensible conversations around future flexibility such as a day working from home.
Senior Finance Manager – Leadership & Cashflow employer: Seymour John Ltd
Join a well-established, privately-owned parts distribution business in Didcot, where you will thrive in a supportive and empowering culture that values long-term employee loyalty. With significant investment in modern facilities and a strong market position, this role offers not only competitive remuneration but also ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with senior stakeholders. Experience a rewarding career in a company that prioritises operational excellence and financial integrity while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager – Leadership & Cashflow
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Senior Finance Manager role.
✨Ace the Interview
When you land that interview, be ready to showcase your leadership skills and financial acumen. Prepare examples of how you've improved cashflow or led a team to success. Remember, they want to see how you can support their operational performance!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t just sit back and wait. Send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our empowering culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager – Leadership & Cashflow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Finance Manager role. Highlight your leadership capabilities and any relevant financial management experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our down-to-earth culture and how your background aligns with our needs in cashflow management and operational support.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to financial reporting and team leadership, to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Didcot!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the business, such as cash flow management and compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership style. Think about times when you've empowered your team or improved their performance. Highlight your ability to foster a supportive culture, which aligns with the company's values.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s history, market position, and recent investments. Being knowledgeable about their operations will show your genuine interest in the role. Prepare questions that reflect your understanding of their business model and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in financial management. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing cash flow during a downturn, and prepare structured responses that showcase your strategic thinking.