At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small accounts team and manage day-to-day finance operations.
- Company: Established compliance business in Southend-on-Sea with a focus on air and water hygiene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Other info: Office-based role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance functions and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 or above, 2 years' finance experience, and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting on behalf of an established and growing specialist compliance business based in Southend-on-Sea. The business provides specialist services across air and water hygiene, ventilation, kitchen extract fire safety and wider building compliance, working with clients across a range of sectors throughout the UK.
They are now looking for a practical and dependable Finance Manager to take ownership of their day-to-day finance function and lead a small accounts team. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys being involved across the full finance function, while also having the opportunity to improve processes, maintain strong financial controls and provide useful financial insight to senior management.
The Role
As Finance Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance function and supporting the wider business with accurate and timely financial information. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, supporting and developing a small accounts team
- Producing monthly management accounts and explaining key findings to senior management
- Maintaining accurate ledgers and completing bank, credit card, balance sheet, WIP, accrual, prepayment and fixed asset reconciliations
- Managing cash flow, payment runs and authorising payments
- Processing monthly payroll, including commissions, deductions, pensions and staff loans
- Preparing and submitting VAT and other HMRC returns
- Overseeing invoicing, expenses and supplier payments
- Working with external accountants on year-end and audit requirements
- Reviewing supplier contracts and identifying opportunities to control costs
- Ensuring finance processes and procedures are followed consistently
About You
We’re looking for someone with solid practical finance experience who is comfortable taking ownership of a busy finance function. You’ll ideally have:
- AAT Level 3 or above, or another relevant accounting qualification
- At least 2 years’ experience in a finance/accounts role
- Experience producing management accounts
- Strong knowledge of reconciliations, VAT and payroll
- Experience using Xero or a comparable finance system
- Strong Excel skills and confidence using Microsoft Office
- Previous experience supervising or managing a small accounts team
- Excellent attention to detail and strong financial judgement
- A practical, organised and solutions-focused approach
This is an office-based position in Southend-on-Sea, offering the opportunity to take real ownership of the finance function within an established specialist business.
Finance Manager employer: Westwood Recruitment
Join a well-established provider of water hygiene compliance services in Watford, where your role as a Water Hygiene Technician will be valued and supported through professional development opportunities. With a strong commitment to quality and exceptional service, you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and offers competitive salaries, 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
✨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 Westwood Recruitment. 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
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 Westwood Recruitment.
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 Westwood Recruitment'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 Westwood Recruitment
✨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 Westwood Recruitment.
✨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 Westwood Recruitment 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 Westwood Recruitment 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.
