Finance Manager

I am pleased to be exclusively recruiting a Finance Manager on behalf of a long-standing client who I have partnered with since their inception. Over the years, this food manufacturing business has continued to grow, and this appointment represents a key milestone in their continued development.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Finance Manager will take full ownership of the finance function. It is a pivotal role within the business, acting as a trusted strategic partner to the leadership team - providing clear financial insight, robust controls, and commercial guidance to support ongoing growth.

This opportunity would suit a proactive, forward-thinking finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is driven by continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead and manage the day-to-day Finance function.
• Oversee month-end close processes, including balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts in line with Group deadlines.
• Develop and enhance monthly reporting packs to deliver meaningful business insight.
• Produce weekly and monthly KPI reporting.
• Prepare annual budgets and deliver detailed variance analysis.
• Lead forecasting processes and manage detailed cash flow reporting.
• Manage year-end audit and statutory accounts processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely VAT submissions to HMRC.

Commercial & Operational Support

• Partner with department heads to drive performance and operational efficiency.
• Review product costing and undertake detailed margin analysis.
• Approve pricing structures to ensure profitability targets are achieved.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives.
• Drive systems and process improvements across finance and operations.
• Oversee stock takes and monitor slow-moving or excess inventory.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the key contact for auditors, banking partners, and HMRC.
• Support strategic projects and provide ad hoc financial analysis to the Managing Director

Experience & Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant or equivalent (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA).
• Strong experience of using Xero and advanced MS Office skills.
• Manufacturing experience desirable
• Strong understanding of stock control, product costing, and margin management
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management

Key Skills & Attributes

• Commercially minded with strong analytical capability
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Hands-on, proactive, and solution-focused
• Able to work effectively to tight deadlines.
• Continuous improvement mindset

Why Join?

• Salary up to 70,000 + Pension, 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Ideally on site but hybrid working can be an option as is the opportunity to work four days a week for the right candidate.
• A genuine opportunity to play a key role within the senior leadership team and the chance to shape and enhance systems, controls, and processes in a growing business.