At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of finance, from accounts to audits, and build a function from scratch.
- Company: Dynamic company in Wolverhampton looking to bring finance in-house.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the finance function and working closely with leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with hands-on experience in building accounts.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in a hands-on, evolving role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Wolverhampton (primarily on-site)
Competitive salary + benefits
My client is bringing their finance function back in-house after a period of outsourcing and are looking for a Sole Charge Finance Manager to build it properly from the ground up.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys owning the numbers end-to-end; from journals and reconciliations through to statutory accounts and audit.
If you’re looking for a role where you “oversee” rather than do, this won’t be the right fit.
The Role
- Initially, you will be the sole finance lead for the group, working closely with the Group CFO.
- You will personally produce monthly management accounts and statutory accounts.
- Own month-end close, journals and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Prepare audit files and liaise directly with auditors and advisors.
- Set up processes, controls, templates and documentation.
- Improve reporting timelines and data quality.
- Support group reporting and analysis as the business grows.
- Over time, the role will naturally evolve and a team will be built, but the foundation is hands-on execution.
This Role Is For You If
- You’re a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
- You’ve worked in practice and know how to build accounts from scratch.
- You’ve since moved into industry and stayed close to the detail.
- You’re comfortable being the go-to person for finance.
- You enjoy improving messy or underdeveloped finance environments.
- You’re happy working primarily on-site.
This Role Is NOT For You If
- You come from a large PLC or heavily shared-service environment.
- You expect a finance team around you on day one.
- You’re looking for a purely strategic or leadership-only role.
- You don’t want to be hands-on with journals, reconciliations and accounts prep.
What’s On Offer
- A rare chance to build a finance function properly.
- Direct access to senior leadership and ownership.
- Autonomy, trust and real influence.
- Long-term progression as the business scales.
- Competitive salary and benefits.
Interested? If you’ve run finance on your own before, or want to, we’d love to hear from you. This is a genuinely hands-on, sole charge role. Candidates from large corporate or oversight-only backgrounds are unlikely to be a fit.
Sole Charge Finance Manager employer: SF Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Charge Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities in Wolverhampton. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Sole Charge Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your hands-on finance skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled journals, reconciliations, and accounts prep in previous roles. Show them you’re not just about overseeing but getting into the nitty-gritty!
✨Tip Number 3
When you apply, make sure to highlight your experience in building finance functions from scratch. This is key for the role, so share specific examples of how you've improved processes or reporting timelines in past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to check out our website for more job opportunities! We’re always updating our listings, and applying through us gives you a better chance to stand out. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Charge Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in finance. We want to see how you've tackled journals, reconciliations, and accounts prep in your previous roles. This is a key part of the job, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and fluff. Just tell us what you’ve done and how it relates to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sole Charge Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in handling financial data. Brush up on your knowledge of journals, reconciliations, and statutory accounts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you successfully managed these tasks.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being hands-on, so make sure to highlight your practical experience. Share stories that illustrate how you've built finance functions from scratch or improved existing processes. This will show that you're not just a strategist but someone who enjoys getting into the nitty-gritty.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to accounting standards and audit processes. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to explain how you've applied them in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate who can handle the complexities of the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
The ability to improve messy finance environments is crucial for this role. Think of examples where you've identified issues and implemented solutions. Discussing your approach to overcoming challenges will show that you're proactive and capable of driving change.