Finance Manager / HR Controller in Market Harborough

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 FridayFlexible start times available (8:30am, 9:00am or 9:30am)Hybrid working with 2 days working from home25 days holiday plus Bank HolidaysPaid parkingStatutory pension schemeDiscretionary bonus schemeDuties and responsibilitiesLead the finance function, providing financial reporting, analysis and strategic guidance to support business growth, decision-making and operational performancePrepare monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasts, budgets, project profitability reporting, VAT returns and year-end accounting information while maintaining strong financial controlsManage day-to-day financial operations including multi-currency transactions, payment runs, debtor and creditor management, payroll and pension administrationOversee employee administration, including maintaining HR records and systems, issuing contracts and offer letters, tracking holidays and absences, and ensuring personnel documentation is up to dateCoordinate recruitment and onboarding activities, including recruitment administration, induction programmes, right-to-work checks and liaison with recruitment agenciesEnsure compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice, supporting policies, employee handbooks, disciplinary, grievance, performance management and mandatory training requirementsOversee monthly payroll processing and manage the setup and ongoing administration of the employee auto-enrolment pension schemeRequired skills and experienceAAT 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 processesUnderstanding 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