At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage monthly accounts, financial statements, and audits for multiple entities.
- Company: Join a respected SME in engineering and manufacturing with a hands-on finance environment.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to strategic decisions and process improvements in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Perfect for qualified accountants wanting to make an impact in a multi-entity group.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA qualified with strong accounting and analytical skills.
- Other info: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a respected SME group operating across the engineering and manufacturing sectors to recruit a Group Accountant. Known for delivering high-quality, technical solutions across multiple sites, the business offers a hands-on finance environment with exposure to both operational and strategic elements. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant seeking to apply their technical expertise in a commercially grounded, multi-entity group setting. You’ll play a key role in consolidating group financials, supporting audits, and driving improvements across systems and controls.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Full ownership of monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analysis for multiple group entities
- Prepare monthly consolidated financial statements across multiple operational entities
- Lead group-level reporting in compliance with IFRS/UK GAAP
- Manage the year-end audit process and liaise directly with external auditors
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning across business units
- Provide financial insight to support strategic and project-level decisions
- Identify and implement process improvements across reporting, controls, and systems
Ideally will be able to demonstrate the below experience:
- Fully Qualified ACA or ACCA (or equivalent)
- Audit experience with industrial or project-based clients is a plus
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of group consolidations
- Analytical and detail-focused, with a practical, solutions-led mindset
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-site or project-based environment
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to work across finance and operational teams
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP or consolidation tools is desirable
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction.
Finance Manager employer: Sharp Consultancy
Contact Detail:
Sharp Consultancy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and accounting sectors, especially those who have experience in group consolidations or work within SMEs. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with IFRS and UK GAAP standards, as well as the specific financial software used in the industry. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with audits and financial reporting in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved processes or contributed to strategic decisions in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you approach variance analysis and balance sheet reconciliations. Highlight any tools or methodologies you use to ensure accuracy and efficiency in your work.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications, particularly your ACA or ACCA status, and relevant experience in audit and group consolidations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical accounting knowledge and analytical skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your experience aligns with the role, particularly in managing financial statements and supporting audits. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to work in a hands-on finance environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your advanced Excel skills and any experience with ERP or consolidation tools. Mention your ability to work in fast-paced environments and your strong communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you send your application to the specified email address and include the reference number. Clearly state where you found the job listing. This attention to detail can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sharp Consultancy
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with IFRS/UK GAAP and group consolidations in detail, as well as any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've identified process improvements or provided financial insights that influenced strategic decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with external auditors and operational teams. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Given the fast-paced, multi-site environment, it's important to show that you can adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities or adapted your approach in response to new challenges.