At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage group reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis in a dynamic environment.
- Company: PE-backed professional services group with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Strong career progression, exposure to senior leadership, and diverse finance projects.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for mentoring and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on financial strategies.
- Qualifications: ACA qualified with experience in financial reporting and management accounting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sowena have been retained by a PE-backed professional services group to appoint a Finance Manager into their growing group finance team. Operating across a complex multi-entity structure spanning the UK and offshore jurisdictions, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth and investment. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for an ACA-qualified accountant making their first or second move from practice to step into a broad, commercially exposed finance position.
Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will gain exposure across group reporting, management accounting, commercial analysis, and strategic finance projects. The role will play an important part in delivering high-quality financial insight to senior leadership while helping support the continued growth of the group.
For ambitious candidates looking to build their career within a dynamic, PE-backed environment, this role provides strong exposure across the finance function and genuine scope for progression as the business continues to scale.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, the Finance Manager will play a key role in delivering accurate group reporting, supporting budgeting and forecasting processes, and providing meaningful financial insight across the business. You will work across a multi-entity structure with varied revenue streams, supporting the preparation of consolidated management accounts while partnering with operational teams to better understand business performance and opportunities for improvement.
Alongside core reporting responsibilities, the role will involve contributing to process improvements, systems development, and integration activities as the business continues to grow through both organic expansion and acquisition.
Key Responsibilities
- Management Reporting & Consolidation
- Prepare and review monthly management accounts for several group entities
- Support the production of consolidated group management accounts, including intercompany eliminations
- Deliver variance analysis against budget and prior year with clear commentary on performance drivers
- Assist in the preparation of board packs and investor reporting materials
- Statutory Reporting & Compliance
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts under UK GAAP (FRS 102)
- Liaise with external auditors to ensure smooth and efficient audit processes
- Prepare VAT returns and support wider tax and compliance reporting requirements
- Assist with financial reporting across offshore entities where required
- Commercial Finance & Analysis
- Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process across the group
- Provide financial modelling and ad-hoc analysis to support strategic initiatives and business decisions
- Work closely with operational teams to improve understanding of performance drivers and financial outcomes
- Systems, Processes & Controls
- Contribute to the development and improvement of financial reporting processes
- Support the use of data and reporting tools to enhance management information
- Maintain strong financial controls across the entities within your remit
- Assist with finance systems and integration projects as the group continues to evolve
- Team & Stakeholder Engagement
- Support and mentor junior members of the finance team
- Build strong relationships with operational stakeholders across the organisation
- Liaise with external auditors, tax advisers, and banking partners as required
- Assist the Head of Finance with strategic projects and ad-hoc requests from senior leadership
About You
- ACA qualified, ideally making a first or second move from practice
- Strong grounding in financial reporting and management accounting
- Good understanding of UK GAAP (FRS 102) and consolidation accounting
- Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with financial reporting systems
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret and communicate financial data clearly
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders across the business
- Proactive, organised, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Experience within professional services or a multi-entity group structure would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why This Role?
- Retained search with a growing PE-backed services business
- Excellent opportunity for a first or second move from practice
- Broad role covering group reporting, commercial finance, and strategic projects
- Exposure to senior leadership and board-level reporting
- Strong opportunity for career development and progression as the group continues to expand
For an ACA-qualified accountant looking to make the move into industry and gain broad exposure within a PE-backed environment, this represents an excellent next step.
Finance Manager in Manchester employer: Sowena Group
Sowena Group is an exceptional employer located in Preston, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Joining our team means being part of a fast-paced, growth-oriented organisation where your contributions directly impact the success of one of our largest divisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Sowena Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Sowena Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Sowena Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Sowena Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Sowena Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Sowena Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
