The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join this business at a pivotal stage in its development, taking on the business's first dedicated Finance Manager. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded finance professional to take ownership of the finance function, putting the structure, processes and controls in place to support the continued growth of the business.

As the first Finance Manager, you will have the opportunity to make the role your own, taking responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day finance operation while working closely with the senior leadership team to provide meaningful financial insight and support key business decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

Management Accounts & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly management accounts for both entities within the group.
• Produce monthly Profit & Loss accounts, Balance Sheets and supporting financial schedules.
• Take ownership of the month-end close process, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded.
• Prepare and post accruals, prepayments, depreciation and month-end adjustment journals.
• Complete and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Review income and expenditure postings to ensure accurate allocation and reporting.
• Investigate financial discrepancies and resolve accounting differences.
• Produce monthly financial commentary explaining movements in revenue, gross profit, costs and net profit.
• Develop clear and concise management reporting for the Directors.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Prepare and maintain weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts.
• Monitor cash availability and upcoming financial commitments.
• Analyse debtor and creditor balances and their impact on working capital.
• Review payment terms and identify opportunities to improve cash flow.
• Monitor foreign currency exposure and its impact on profitability.
• Highlight potential cash flow risks at an early stage.

Stock Accounting & Trading Reconciliations

• Take responsibility for monthly stock valuations and reconciliations.
• Ensure opening stock, purchases, sales and closing stock are accurately reflected in the management accounts.
• Investigate stock movements, adjustments and accounting discrepancies.
• Reconcile financial information against operational trading records.
• Ensure the correct accounting treatment of stock movements and period-end transactions.
• Work with the trading and operations teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Develop robust stock reporting and reconciliation procedures.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Produce actual-versus-budget analysis and explain material variances.
• Prepare rolling financial forecasts based on trading activity and business performance.
• Support business planning and capital expenditure decisions.
• Provide financial analysis for proposed investments, equipment purchases and other business developments.

VAT, Taxation & Year-End Reporting

• Prepare and review VAT returns, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
• Ensure financial records comply with relevant accounting and taxation requirements.
• Liaise with external accountants on year-end statutory accounts and corporation tax.
• Prepare year-end reconciliations, schedules and supporting documentation.
• Review payroll-related accounting entries and reconciliations.
• Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of international and foreign currency transactions.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial records.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Take responsibility for the effective use and maintenance of Xero.
• Improve existing financial reporting processes and management information.
• Identify opportunities to automate routine accounting and reconciliation tasks.
• Develop Excel-based reporting tools and financial dashboards.
• Improve the integration and reconciliation of financial and operational data.
• Ensure financial processes are appropriately documented and consistently followed.

Experience Required:

• Proven experience in a Management Accountant, Company Accountant or Financial Controller role.
• ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified, part-qualified with substantial experience, or qualified by experience with a strong track record.
• Experience preparing complete monthly management accounts independently.
• Strong understanding of balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and stock accounting.
• Experience managing cash flow forecasts and working capital.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using accounting software.
• Good understanding of VAT and UK accounting requirements.
• Ability to identify and investigate accounting discrepancies.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical ability.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines.

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The role is office based therefore living fairly locally to Bury is important.