Finance Manager

Finance Manager
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire (Office Based)
Salary: £55,000 to £62,000 + Study Support + Excellent Benefits
Hours: Monday to Friday, full time

The Opportunity
This is far more than a traditional Finance Manager position.
We're looking for someone who enjoys being hands on with the day to day running of finance but is equally excited by the opportunity to shape, improve and build a finance function.
As the most senior finance professional in the business, you'll have the autonomy to implement new processes, improve reporting, introduce best practice and become a key member of the leadership team. You'll work closely with the COO and play a significant role in supporting the company's continued growth.

If you're ready to move beyond simply producing the numbers and want the opportunity to influence how finance operates within a growing business, this could be the ideal next step.

The Role
This is a varied role that combines operational finance with strategic improvement.
You'll be responsible for ensuring the finance function runs smoothly on a daily basis while also identifying opportunities to improve systems, controls and reporting.
You'll take ownership of the finance function, helping move it from a traditional transactional finance department into one that provides meaningful commercial insight to the wider business.

Key Responsibilities
Day to Day Finance
Managing purchase and sales ledger
Bank reconciliations
VAT returns
Credit control
Payroll liaison with external accountants
Supplier payment runs
Month end close
Management accounts preparation
Cash flow forecasting
Balance sheet reconciliations
Supporting audit requirements
Process Improvement & Commercial Finance
Review and improve finance processes across the business
Build and enhance the monthly management accounts process
Develop meaningful financial reporting for the leadership team
Improve financial controls and reporting accuracy
Drive efficiencies through better use of systems and automation
Become the finance lead for Microsoft Business Central
Produce meaningful analysis around margins, profitability and cash flow
Partner with senior stakeholders to support commercial decision making
Help build a finance function that can support future business growth
About You
You'll enjoy getting involved in every aspect of finance. You're someone who isn't afraid of rolling your sleeves up to complete the day to day accounting but also naturally looks for better ways of doing things.
You'll likely have:
ACCA or CIMA finalist or recently qualified
Strong experience across month end and management accounts
Excellent knowledge of transactional finance
Experience improving finance processes or implementing new ways of working
Strong Excel skills and ERP experience
Commercial awareness with the ability to explain financial information to non finance stakeholders
A proactive approach and the confidence to take ownership
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to genuinely make your mark.
You'll be joining a growing business where your ideas will be listened to and where you'll have real ownership of the finance function. Rather than inheriting an established finance department, you'll have the chance to build processes, improve reporting and create a finance function that supports future growth.
For the right person, this role offers a clear pathway towards becoming a Financial Controller as the business continues to expand.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine hands on finance with genuine business impact and long term career progression, we'd love to hear from you.

Thank you for your interest in this vacancy, advertised by SMT Recruitment (Smart10 Ltd), acting as an employment agency/business. Your application will be considered alongside others, and we will contact you within three working days if you are shortlisted.
SMT Recruitment is a multi-award-winning specialist recruitment consultancy providing temporary, contract, and permanent recruitment solutions across selected business sectors. To stay up to date with our latest opportunities, please visit our website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn. Please refer to SMT's Privacy Policy for details on how we manage your data.