We're delighted to be recruiting a Finance Manager / HR Controller 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 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, 9:00am 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, including recruitment administration, induction programmes, right-to-work checks and liaison with recruitment agencies
- 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 setup and ongoing administration of the employee auto-enrolment pension scheme
Required skills and experience
- AAT qualified or qualified by experience within a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Finance & HR Manager or similar position with responsibility for both finance and HR activities
- Previous experience within SME environments, ideally within project-based sectors such as events, construction, marketing, creative, engineering, technical services, architecture or design
- Strong 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
- Understanding of UK employment legislation, HR compliance requirements and employee lifecycle management
- 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
Finance Manager / HR Controller in Market Harborough employer: Vanilla Recruitment UK
Join a dynamic retail design agency near Lutterworth, where your role as an Installations Project Manager will not only allow you to lead impactful projects but also collaborate with renowned international brands. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offers competitive benefits like free parking and generous leave, and fosters a fast-paced environment where your contributions truly matter.
