Finance Manager

Join a Growing SME in a Broad, Hands-On Finance Manager Role

• Minworth, West Midlands
• Up to £60,000
• Monday to Friday | 9:00am - 5:00pm | Office Based

We are recruiting on behalf of a successful and expanding business operating within a specialist, regulated sector. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager to lead the finance function and work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team.

This is a varied and influential position, offering a blend of financial leadership, commercial support, team management and regulatory oversight. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the finance function whilst providing accurate financial reporting, commercial insight and robust financial controls to support future business growth. Working closely with key stakeholders across the business, you'll enjoy a high level of autonomy and responsibility within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while supporting strategic decision-making across the business.

Key responsibilities will include

Preparing monthly and quarterly management accounts

Producing weekly sales, margin and performance reports

Month-end reporting, journals and reconciliations

Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning

Producing variance analysis and financial insights to support decision-making

Presenting financial information and recommendations to senior management

Monitoring business performance and identifying risks, trends and opportunities

Preparing and submitting VAT returns

Ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory requirements

Maintaining strong financial controls and audit-ready records

Coordinating payroll processes

Managing year-end accounts and supporting the annual audit process

Acting as the key contact for external auditors and advisers

Completing regulatory reporting requirements and ensuring key deadlines are met

Supporting treasury activities, including financial hedging in line with company policy

Leading and developing members of the finance team

Driving continuous improvements across financial processes and controls

Supporting the company's AML and compliance framework, including responsibilities associated with the MLRO function

The Culture & Environment

This is very much a business where everyone pulls together.

You'll be joining a close-knit, supportive team that adopts an "all hands on deck" approach. Whilst you'll be leading the finance function, the business is looking for someone who is happy to remain hands-on and get involved wherever needed.

The environment is fast-paced, varied and constantly evolving, making it ideal for someone who enjoys the breadth and exposure that comes with an SME role. From management accounts and business partnering through to supporting the team with transactional tasks during busy periods, no two days are the same.

They're looking for a Finance Manager who leads by example, enjoys being part of a collaborative team and understands that sometimes the best leaders are the ones willing to roll up their sleeves and help out when required.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded finance professional who combines strong technical ability with a practical, hands-on approach.

Essential Experience

Previous experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar senior finance role

Experience producing monthly management accounts and year-end accounts

Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis skills

Experience working within an SME environment

Knowledge of UK accounting standards and statutory reporting requirements

Experience preparing VAT returns

Previous experience managing or mentoring finance staff

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Experience using Sage or similar accounting software

Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills

Ability to work effectively to strict reporting deadlines

Understanding of AML and regulatory compliance requirements

Qualifications

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or

Qualified by Experience (QBE)

Desirable Experience

Previous exposure to AML compliance, regulated environments or MLRO responsibilities

Experience improving financial processes and controls

Experience within a product-led, wholesale, distribution, trading or manufacturing environment

Knowledge of Corporation Tax requirements

Experience managing external audits

Exposure to treasury management and financial hedging activities

Experience assessing and managing foreign exchange or commodity-related financial risks

Personal Attributes

Commercially aware with a proactive mindset

Excellent attention to detail

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Confident communicator able to engage with stakeholders at all levels

Ability to explain financial information to non-finance audiences

Strong leadership skills with a supportive management style

Professional, trustworthy and highly confidential

Comfortable balancing strategic responsibilities with hands-on delivery

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £60,000
• Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm office-based role
• Direct exposure to the CEO and senior leadership team
• Broad and influential position with genuine autonomy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Opportunity to make a tangible impact within a growing business
• Varied role combining strategic, commercial and operational responsibilities
• Long-term career development opportunities