At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and oversee daily accounting operations in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: A successful engineering technology business with a strong focus on expertise and client relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, and clear development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy and enjoy long-term progression in a respected company.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of accounting experience, ideally in an SME or engineering setting.
- Other info: Hands-on role with exposure to broader financial strategy and a supportive leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
A highly successful, privately owned engineering technology business is seeking a commercially capable Accounts Manager to take ownership of its finance function within a well-established, project-led environment. The business designs and delivers engineered solutions for recognised household-name clients across the UK and internationally. It is technically strong, commercially astute, steadily growing and retains that traditional UK business feel. The office sits just off the shop floor, the leadership team is accessible and work shoulder to shoulder with Engineers, Sales, Marketing and Directors alike. It is a business built on expertise, on time delivery, referrals and long-standing relationships.
The Role
Reporting to the MD and working closely with a highly experienced, part-time Finance Director, you will lead the day-to-day finance function while contributing to wider commercial decisions. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will remain involved in the everyday detail as well as the reporting and control. An Assistant supports the ledgers, but full ownership sits with you.
Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing daily accounting operations and ledger management
- Full responsibility for Sales & Purchase Ledger control, payments and credit control
- Project costing (labour, materials and overhead allocation)
- Preparing monthly management accounts including Trial Balance
- Producing P&L, balance sheet and cashflow reports
- Quarterly VAT returns
- Supporting payroll and year-end processes
- Acting as a financial partner to the MD and wider management team
The business has successfully rolled out Sage across the finance function and is now extending its use into procurement, stock control and enhanced reporting. Experience of developing or embedding accounting systems into operational areas, particularly within an SME or engineering environment, would be highly advantageous. Over the next two years, you will work alongside the current FD, gaining exposure to broader financial strategy and business planning. With planned retirement on the horizon, there is a natural opportunity for progression for the right individual who demonstrates capability and commercial judgement.
About You
- Circa 8+ years' accounting experience
- The most recent 2 years gained within the UK
- Strong grounding across both financial and management accounting
- Experience within an SME, engineering or project-based environment
- Exposure to systems implementation or process improvement (Sage 50 desirable)
- Comfortable remaining hands-on with transactional detail
- Commercially aware, pragmatic and confident communicating across the business
This role will suit someone capable and ambitious, but grounded and looking for responsibility, visibility and long-term progression within a stable and respected engineering business.
The Offer
- Β£45,000 β Β£60,000 depending on experience
- Clear development opportunity working alongside an experienced FD
- Bonus scheme, Pension
- Stable, profitable and growing engineering technology business
If you are looking for a role where you can genuinely influence the financial direction of a respected engineering company in an environment that values substance over style this is a rare opportunity.
Accounting Manager in Farnborough employer: Wendy B Ltd
Contact Detail:
Wendy B Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Accounting Manager in Farnborough
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and donβt be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Accounts Manager. Highlight your hands-on approach and any relevant systems you've implemented, like Sage, to demonstrate your fit for the position.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Manager in Farnborough
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in accounting, especially within an SME or engineering environment. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Accounts Manager role. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we're using Sage across our finance function, it's important to mention any experience you have with accounting systems. If you've implemented or improved processes before, let us know! We love a hands-on approach.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wendy B Ltd
β¨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around management accounts, P&L statements, and cash flow reports. Be ready to discuss how you've handled these in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the accounting field.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading the finance function, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've contributed to wider commercial decisions, as this aligns with what the company is looking for.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Sage
Given that the business uses Sage for their finance function, itβs a good idea to familiarise yourself with the software if you haven't already. Mention any experience you have with systems implementation or process improvement, as this will demonstrate your ability to adapt and enhance their current processes.
β¨Understand the Company Culture
Research the companyβs values and culture, especially their focus on long-standing relationships and traditional UK business feel. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and how you can contribute to maintaining that culture while driving financial success.