Finance Manager

  • Reed
  • Chelmsford, Essex
  • Mar 07, 2026
Full time Banking Finance

Job Description

Finance Manager

  • Annual Salary: Up to £65,000
  • Location: Chelmsford, Essex (hybrid)
  • Job Type: Full-time

Reed Finance have partnered with a leading distribution business, who are seeking a driven, dedicated, and methodical Finance Manager to join their finance team at our offices on the outskirts of Chelmsford.

This key role will report directly to the Managing Director and will have a direct line of communication to the Board. As a Finance Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance operations within our busy distribution company, ensuring the timely completion of all finance tasks and adherence to statutory requirements.

Day-to-day of the role:

  • Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts and KPIs, including variation analysis and commentary.
  • Ensure all Balance Sheet reconciliations and controls are completed on time each month.
  • Assist in the identification, investigation, and resolution of stock discrepancies as part of the monthly stock take, along with review of the aged stock report.
  • Manage accurate capitalisation and recording of fixed assets.
  • Oversee cash flow management, including weekly forecasting, variance analysis, and commentary.
  • Oversee credit control, authorise credit applications, and maintain the general sales ledger.
  • Manage weekly/monthly multi-currency payment runs and general purchase ledger maintenance.
  • Conduct daily reviews of bank and cash, including invoice finance management.
  • Assist in the preparation of the monthly payroll and ensure monthly VAT returns are completed accurately and submitted on time.
  • Manage the finance team day-to-day, ensuring all relevant deadlines and objectives are consistently met, and queries or issues are resolved promptly.
  • Work closely with the management team to drive continuous improvement in the department, identifying and implementing improvements across processes, controls, and reporting to ensure efficient working practices.
  • Support the Managing Director with budget preparation and forecasts.
  • Liaise with external stakeholders, including accountants, banks, and HMRC.
  • Undertake project or ad-hoc work as requested by the Managing Director.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA). Qualified by experience will also be considered.
  • Excellent financial analysis, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong finance & accounting technical skills.
  • Highly IT literate, proficient in Excel (including Pivot, V-Look Ups) and PowerPoint.

Personal Qualities:

  • Team player with strong management skills.
  • Resilient and flexible work approach.
  • Solutions-focused with a "can-do" attitude.
  • Ability to develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
  • Proactive, uses initiative.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.

If you are interested in finding out more about this Finance Manager position, please apply now.