At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of finance operations and drive strategic growth in a dynamic SME.
- Company: Join a friendly, growing SME in Trafford Park with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit share bonus, free snacks, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: CIMA or ACCA qualified, with hands-on finance experience in an SME.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant team atmosphere and potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester (Hybrid – 3 days office based)
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 Full-Time Equivalent (Pro Rata)
Benefits: Bonus profit share scheme + excellent working environment
We are recruiting on behalf of a growing SME business based in Trafford Park, Manchester, who are seeking an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to take ownership of their finance function. This is a key appointment offering both operational control and strategic input, ideal for a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys being involved in the detail while influencing wider business performance. The role is part-time (20–25 hours per week) with a hybrid structure, requiring three days per week in the Trafford Park office. There is strong potential for the role and finance function to grow alongside the business.
The Role
Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, the Financial Controller will take full responsibility for the finance function, ensuring robust financial control while contributing strategically to planning, performance and operational efficiency. This is a hands-on SME role. The successful candidate must be comfortable managing transactional finance where required, while also developing the function, improving processes and adding measurable commercial value. You will have the opportunity to shape and evolve the role, driving efficiencies and implementing scalable systems to support continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Full responsibility for bank reconciliations, cashflow management and day-to-day financial operations
- Management of purchase ledger, supplier controls and credit control
- Ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded, filed and reported
- Preparation of monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet and cashflow reporting
- Regular financial performance reviews against budget, identifying risks and opportunities
- Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes
- Preparation of year-end and statutory accounts
- Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and clear audit trails
- Compile and submit VAT returns for the group, ensuring timely payment
- Monitor foreign exchange rates and manage multi-currency payments
Strategic & Operational Impact
- Provide meaningful financial insight to support commercial decision-making
- Partner with the management team to drive profitability and performance
- Develop and grow the finance function to meet the needs of an expanding SME
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce cost
- Streamline workflows across finance, manufacturing, procurement and service functions
- Lead initiatives that enhance reporting quality, automation and operational effectiveness
- Monitor KPIs and support accountability for performance improvements
- Champion best practice, scalability and continuous improvement
Requirements
- Ideally CIMA or ACCA qualified, part-qualified, or Qualified by Experience (QBE)
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role within an SME
- Comfortable being hands-on with transactional finance when required
- Demonstrable experience improving or scaling a finance function
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to add tangible business value
- Excellent communication skills, able to engage with financial and non-financial stakeholders
- Strong understanding of financial regulations and internal controls
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
- High attention to detail and complete confidentiality
Benefits
- £50,000 - £60,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata)
- Profit share bonus scheme
- Growth opportunities to develop the finance function
- Friendly family SME environment
- Free parking
- Free food/snacks
Part-Time Financial Controller (20-25 Hours per Week) in Manchester employer: UBT
Contact Detail:
UBT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time Financial Controller (20-25 Hours per Week) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in SMEs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial challenges and think about how you can add value as a Financial Controller. This will show you're not just interested in the role, but also in helping them grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the job description. Highlight your hands-on approach and any process improvements you've implemented in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time Financial Controller (20-25 Hours per Week) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in managing finance functions and any hands-on roles you've had in SMEs. We want to see how you can add value!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this part-time role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or contributed to business growth in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, like CIMA or ACCA, and any relevant experience with financial reporting and compliance. We love candidates who can demonstrate strong commercial acumen and attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed cash flow, prepared management accounts, or improved financial processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires not just operational control but also strategic input. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to business performance through financial insights or process improvements. Think about times when your decisions positively impacted profitability.
✨Be Hands-On and Detail-Oriented
Since this is a hands-on role, be prepared to discuss your experience with transactional finance. Highlight your attention to detail and how you've ensured accuracy in financial reporting and compliance in past positions.
✨Engage with the Team
You'll be working closely with the senior leadership team, so it's crucial to show your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with both financial and non-financial stakeholders to drive performance and accountability in your previous roles.