At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, enhance reporting, and drive process improvements in a fast-growing business.
- Company: Join a dynamic, PE-backed company focused on scaling and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, direct access to leadership, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a pivotal growth phase with broad exposure across the finance function.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping a modern finance function while growing your career.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified with experience in financial accounting and a passion for improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Sowena Group is proud to be exclusively partnered with a fast-growing, PE backed business to appoint a technically strong Finance Manager. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact, development-focused role at the centre of a scaling finance function.
About the Role
This is not a traditional “steady-state” Finance Manager position. It is a hands-on, build-and-improve role designed for a high-potential finance professional ready to take ownership of core financial operations while helping shape a modern, scalable finance function. Working closely with the Finance Director, you will play a critical role in strengthening financial control, improving reporting quality and enhancing processes and systems across the business. The finance function sits at the heart of Business Operations, working closely with Data, Systems and Commercial teams to drive visibility and performance. Over time, this role will develop into a highly autonomous leadership position and a key support to the Finance Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Own the integrity of the balance sheet across multiple entities
- Lead the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Review key reconciliations, journals, accruals and prepayments
- Strengthen financial controls and reporting discipline across the group
- Support board and investor reporting alongside the Finance Director
- Assist with external audit process and act as a key audit contact
- Team Leadership & Operational Support
- Support, develop and mentor a small but growing finance team
- Improve structure, ownership and consistency across finance operations
- Provide quality control across management reporting outputs
- Partner cross-functionally with operational and data teams
- Systems, Processes & Controls
- Drive improvements in finance processes, automation and efficiency
- Enhance documentation, controls and month-end consistency
- Identify gaps in reporting and operational effectiveness
- Support integration between finance and data-led reporting tools
- Help build scalable finance infrastructure to support growth
- Cashflow & Commercial Support
- Support cashflow and working capital management
- Assist with forecasting and performance analysis
- Review key balance sheet areas and support commercial insight
- Partner with the Finance Director on strategic initiatives
About You
We are looking for a technically strong, ambitious finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Candidate Profile:
- ACA / ACCA qualification
- Strong grounding in financial accounting, controls and month-end
- Experience in SME, high-growth or PE-backed environments (preferred)
- Exposure to audit and/or group accounting (beneficial)
- Experience at Financial Accountant, Financial Reporting Manager or Finance Manager level
- Highly ambitious with a strong desire to build and improve
- Hands-on and comfortable working in detail when needed
- Ownership-driven with a strong sense of accountability
- Commercially aware and curious about business performance
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, evolving business
What’s on Offer
This is a unique opportunity to join a scaling, investor-backed business where you will have:
- Broad exposure across the full finance function
- Direct access to Finance Director, CEO and investors
- Involvement in operational and strategic initiatives
- Real influence over processes, controls and systems
- A clear pathway toward greater autonomy and leadership
- The chance to help shape a modern finance function
Why This Role?
This role is built for someone who wants breadth, ownership and progression, not a narrow or siloed finance position. You will be joining at a pivotal point in the business’s growth, where your impact on finance operations, reporting and systems will be both visible and meaningful.
Finance Manager in Preston employer: Sowena Group
Sowena Group offers an exceptional work environment for finance professionals seeking to make a significant impact in a fast-growing, PE-backed business. With a focus on employee development, you will have direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape a modern finance function while enjoying a collaborative culture that values innovation and accountability. The role promises not only competitive remuneration but also a clear pathway for career progression in a dynamic setting located in Preston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Preston
✨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 Preston
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.
