Finance Manager Read in Oxford

Smith Institute is looking for a Finance Manager to join our team, on a part‑time, permanent basis. The role reports to the Chief Financial Officer, providing hands‑on financial oversight, supporting sustainable growth and operational efficiency, and will work initially 3 days a week with the possibility of increasing to 3.5 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on financial oversight, supporting sustainable growth and operational efficiency ambitions.
• Management reporting: Prepare high‑quality monthly reporting packs for both the Executive and the Board.
• General ledger management: Maintain and reconcile the general ledger accounts including bank accounts, accruals, prepayments, payroll postings (payroll is outsourced), fixed assets and deferred/accrued income. Oversee month‑end and year‑end closing processes.
• Budgeting & forecasting: Assist in preparing annual budget and monthly financial forecasts. Monitor variances and provide analysis to support business decisions.
• Tax & compliance: Ensure compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements. Prepare and submit VAT and PSA filings. Prepare financial data for inclusion in annual R&D tax claims. Monitor cash flow and working capital requirements.
• Audit & internal controls: Ensure timely and accurate reporting and provision of documents to external auditors. Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets.

Education

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of post‑qualification experience, preferably in a service‑based SME or similar environment. Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial regulations.

Skills

• Proficiency in accounting software (preferably Xero and add‑on tools such as Dext) and MS Excel.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

About you

• Commercially aware with a proactive approach.
• Strong communication skills to interact with non‑financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

Benefits

• Flexible working for all – work your contracted hours at times that best suit you and our customers, at home, in the office or as a mixture of both.
• Health and well‑being support – the Smith Institute places a strong emphasis on well‑being; we have several qualified Mental Health First Aiders and we also have a Mindful Employer Plus membership and offer additional leave allowance to care for close family members.
• Social events – most months our Social Committee organise events and we also have ongoing activities, including pub socials, a book club, a fantasy football league and a board games library.
• Employee benefits – employee discount platform and Employee assistance programme.
• Enhanced leave – annual leave, bereavement, dependency, maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
• Mentoring – from colleagues, including expert technical staff.
• Generous pension contribution – with Life Assurance and Income Protection.
• All IT equipment provided and maintained.
• Interesting and challenging work with purpose.

Smith Institute is an Equal Opportunities Employer, and Disability Confident Employer. We use best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. We are committed to being accessible. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in your application, so we can do our best to accommodate your needs fairly.