Assistant Finance Manager

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and hands-on Assistant Finance Manager to join a growing multi-entity organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their finance career and gain exposure across all aspects of accounting, from transactional finance through to management accounts and senior leadership reporting.

Working closely with the Finance Manager, you'll play a key role in delivering accurate financial information, supporting business decisions and developing your technical accounting skills. This role offers genuine progression and is ideal for someone who enjoys getting into the detail whilst building towards a more senior finance position in the future.

Key Responsibilities

Month-End & Management Accounts

Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.

Post month-end journals, including accruals, prepayments, depreciation and payroll journals.

Complete balance sheet reconciliations and resolve reconciling items promptly.

Analyse financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing commentary on key variances.

Support the Finance Manager with month-end reporting and financial analysis.

Transactional & Day-to-Day Accounting

Oversee purchase ledger, sales ledger and bank reconciliations.

Review supplier statements and resolve queries.

Ensure accurate financial coding and cost allocation across departments and business units.

Support the integrity and accuracy of financial records.

Assist with maintaining effective financial controls and processes.

Cash & Treasury

Prepare regular cash flow forecasts and reporting.

Support cash management activities.

Assist with intercompany reconciliations and transactions where required.

Reporting & Business Partnering

Produce detailed reporting packs for senior stakeholders.

Work closely with operational and non-finance teams to improve understanding of financial performance.

Assist with annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.

Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support commercial decision-making and investment opportunities.

Compliance & Controls

Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time.

Support year-end statutory accounts preparation and external audit processes.

Maintain and enhance internal financial controls.

Ensure compliance with relevant financial, tax and regulatory requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain and improve finance systems and reporting processes.

Identify opportunities to streamline and automate activities.

Support and mentor junior finance team members where appropriate.

Contribute ideas to improve efficiency and strengthen financial processes.

Person Specification

Qualifications

AAT Level 4 qualified (minimum) or qualified by experience (QBE) with equivalent practical experience.

Minimum two years' experience within a finance function.

Studying towards, or interested in studying towards, CIMA or ACCA would be advantageous.

Experience & Skills

Experience within a finance role with exposure to month-end processes.

Understanding of management accounting principles, reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.

Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions.

Experience using accounting software packages.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Able to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Keen to continue learning and developing professionally.

Personal Attributes

Organised, proactive and detail-oriented.

Comfortable taking ownership of tasks from start to finish.

Strong communicator with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.

Commercially aware and solutions-focused.

Positive attitude with a genuine desire to progress within finance.

Continually looks for ways to improve processes and efficiency.

What's on Offer

Salary: £40,000-£45,000

Study support available for AAT, CIMA or ACCA

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Additional employee benefits and discounts

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

The opportunity to work closely with an experienced Finance Manager and gain exposure to the full accounting cycle

Genuine career progression and development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

If you're looking for a role that will develop your management accounting skills and provide a clear pathway for progression, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply today and we'll be in touch if your experience is a suitable match.