At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial performance, ensuring accurate revenue and cost reporting across multiple business units.
- Company: Join a values-led business focused on sustainability and long-term growth.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, exposure to senior leadership, and involvement in finance transformation.
- Other info: Opportunity to coach and develop a direct report while working with complex data.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Full accountancy qualification and strong financial control experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role sits at the heart of financial performance for UK Processing. You’ll be responsible for the accurate accounting and reporting of revenue and cost of sales across multiple business units, ensuring results genuinely reflect operational reality. You’ll work with large, complex data sets, partner with stakeholders across the organisation, and present results directly to senior leadership. Alongside this, you’ll support the ongoing ERP implementation and help strengthen processes as the finance function continues to evolve.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure revenue and cost of sales are accurately accounted for each month across all UK Processing businesses
- Correctly record intercompany transactions, applying a strong understanding of UK operational structures
- Review gross margin performance and clearly explain variances against budget and KPIs
- Partner with FP&A to align month-end accounting with weekly performance and insight reporting
- Investigate and resolve financial queries and discrepancies, working closely with Finance, IT, and Operations
- Interrogate and validate data across multiple systems, including Sage, Workday, AMCS, and BI dashboards
- Maintain robust balance sheet accounting for revenue and cost of sales accruals
- Prepare and present monthly results to the Financial Controller, Finance Director, and CFO
- Support annual budgeting and external audit processes relating to revenue and cost of sales
- Contribute to the successful embedding of the new ERP system
- Manage, coach, and develop one direct report (Management Accountant)
Qualifications
- Full accountancy qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Strong financial control experience across both P&L and balance sheet
- Confidence working with complex data and multiple financial systems
- A proactive, problem‑solving mindset with high attention to detail
- A collaborative working style and the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships
- Clear communication skills and confidence presenting to senior stakeholders
- Experience working in industry or commerce (preferred)
Benefits
- Ownership of one of the most critical areas of the P&L
- Regular exposure to senior finance leadership and the CFO
- A role combining technical accounting, operational insight, and people management
- Involvement in ERP implementation and finance transformation
- Hybrid working with a strong team base in Leeds
- A values-led business focused on sustainability, safety, and long-term growth
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
Finance Manager in Leeds employer: UK Panda Group
Panda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, sustainability, and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to engage with senior leadership while managing critical financial areas and contributing to transformative projects like ERP implementation. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Leeds
✨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 UK Panda 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 Leeds
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 UK Panda 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 UK Panda 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 UK Panda 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 UK Panda 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 UK Panda 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 UK Panda 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.
