At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage cashflow, and support business decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a thriving manufacturing and distribution business with a collaborative finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving financial processes and supporting operational management.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, with experience in finance management and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Manager to join our UK Finance team.
This is a hands-on role responsible for managing the day-to-day finance function of a busy manufacturing & Distribution business.
You will lead a small finance team, oversee the month-end reporting process, manage cashflow, ensure statutory compliance, and provide financial support to operational management.
The role offers excellent exposure across all aspects of finance and provides opportunities to contribute to process improvements and commercial decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting
- Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
- Lead the month-end close process.
- Prepare and review accruals, prepayments and journals.
- Complete balance sheet reconciliations.
- Prepare WIP reporting and supporting schedules.
- Analyse financial performance and investigate variances.
- Produce monthly KPI and management reports.
- Cashflow & Treasury
- Prepare and monitor daily and weekly cashflow forecasts.
- Manage banking activities and bank reconciliations.
- Monitor customer receipts and supplier payments.
- Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger & Credit Control
- Oversee the sales and purchase ledger functions.
- Review and approve supplier payments.
- Manage customer credit limits and credit control activities.
- Review aged debtor and creditor reports.
- Resolve customer and supplier account queries.
- Administer the company’s credit insurance arrangements.
- Compliance & Statutory Responsibilities
- Prepare VAT returns and related compliance reporting.
- Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
- Liaise with external auditors during the annual audit.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and financial controls.
- Payroll
- Oversee weekly and monthly payroll processes.
- Ensure PAYE, pension and statutory payments are completed accurately and on time.
- Team Leadership
- Manage, coach and support two Finance team members.
- Allocate workloads and monitor team performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing finance team.
- Business Partnering
- Build strong working relationships with operational managers.
- Provide financial insight to support business decisions.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
About You
You will be an organised, proactive finance professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing & Distribution business and is comfortable managing both operational finance and month-end reporting activities.
Essential Requirements
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or finalist actively working towards qualification.
- Previous experience in a Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant, or similar role.
- Experience supervising or managing a small finance team.
- Strong management accounting and month-end reporting experience.
- Good understanding of balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.
- Experience preparing cashflow forecasts.
- Good understanding of VAT and financial controls.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
- Manufacturing industry experience (preferred not essential)
- Experience supporting the annual audit process.
- Exposure to statutory accounts.
- Budgeting and forecasting experience.
- Sage 50 experience.
- Experience of credit insurance or invoice discounting facilities.
- Personal Attributes
- Hands-on and willing to support operational finance activities.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
- Commercially aware with good analytical skills.
- Positive team player with the ability to build strong relationships across the business.
- Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
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 Zeus Packaging. 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 Zeus Packaging.
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 Zeus Packaging'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 Zeus Packaging
✨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 Zeus Packaging.
✨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 Zeus Packaging 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 Zeus Packaging 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.
