At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finance operations, budgets, and reporting in a creative agency.
- Company: Join a dynamic marketing agency working with globally recognised brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days leave, and a competitive salary up to £40,000.
- Other info: Full driving licence required; strong Excel skills essential.
- Why this job: Be part of an energetic team that values creativity and financial integrity.
- Qualifications: AAT Qualified or CIMA Part-Qualified; experience in agency finance preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We’re delighted to be recruiting a Finance Manager on behalf of a well-established and growing creative services business based in Market Harborough. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join a successful SME, taking ownership of the finance function and hr duties while partnering closely with senior leadership to improve commercial performance, financial visibility and strategic decision‑making. This role offers a broad responsibility across finance, forecasting, reporting and business support within a fast‑paced project‑led environment.
Please note that this is a standalone Finance / HR position.
- Salary up to £45,000
- 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Flexible start times available (8.30am, 9am or 9.30am)
- Hybrid working with 2 days working from home
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Paid parking
- Statutory pension scheme
- Discretionary bonus scheme
Duties and responsibilities:
- Lead the finance function, providing financial reporting, analysis and strategic guidance to support business growth, decision-making and operational performance
- Prepare monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasts, budgets, project profitability reporting, VAT returns and year‑end accounting information while maintaining strong financial controls
- Manage day‑to‑day financial operations including multi‑currency transactions, payment runs, debtor and creditor management, payroll and pension administration
- Oversee employee administration, including maintaining HR records and systems, issuing contracts and offer letters, tracking holidays and absences, and ensuring personnel documentation is up to date
- Coordinate recruitment and onboarding activities
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice, supporting policies, employee handbooks, disciplinary, grievance, performance management and mandatory training requirements
- Oversee monthly payroll processing and manage the set up and ongoing administration of the employee auto‑enrolment pension scheme
Required skills and experience:
- AAT qualified or qualified by experience within a Finance Manager, Finance & HR Manager or similar position with responsibility for finance and some HR Administration
- Previous experience within SME environments, ideally within project‑based sectors such as events, construction, marketing, creative, engineering, technical services, architecture or design
- Budgeting, forecasting, management accounting and cash flow management experience, with the ability to support strategic business decisions
- Experience managing HR administration, including employee records, contracts, absence management, recruitment coordination and onboarding processes
- Commercially aware with the ability to analyse profitability, business performance, workforce requirements and operational efficiency
- Good knowledge of accounting systems and Excel, ideally including Xero, with experience of process improvement
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Finance Manager in Market Harborough employer: Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd
Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and independence. As a Maintenance Assistant in Market Harborough, you'll enjoy the benefits of part-time hours while contributing to a safe and functional environment, with opportunities for personal growth and skill development in a friendly team setting.
Contact Details:
Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Market Harborough
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the creative marketing industry. Understanding the unique financial challenges and opportunities within this sector will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute effectively from day one.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and marketing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Xero accountancy software skills. Since this is a requirement for the role, demonstrating proficiency in Xero during interviews can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you've previously improved financial systems and processes. Highlighting specific examples of your contributions in past roles will show that you have the proactive mindset we’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Market Harborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance management, particularly in agency or project-based environments. Emphasise your familiarity with Xero and Excel, showcasing specific examples of how you've used these tools effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the creative marketing industry. Mention how your proactive approach and growth mindset align with the company's values and how you can contribute to their financial integrity.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications, such as being AAT Qualified or CIMA Part-Qualified. If you have QBE experience, make sure to explain how it relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:Since the role involves liaising with both finance and non-finance stakeholders, highlight your communication and collaboration skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced decisions or improved processes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial operations, particularly in AP/AR and month-end close processes. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial systems in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Agency Experience
Since the role is within a creative marketing agency, share your past experiences in similar environments. Discuss how you navigated the unique challenges of project-based finance and how you contributed to the overall success of client projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Xero and Excel
Brush up on your knowledge of Xero accountancy software and Excel functions like pivot tables and vlookups. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in your previous roles to enhance financial reporting and analysis.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Skills
This role requires liaising with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across departments and influence decision-making, showcasing your collaborative approach.