Finance Manager

Finance Manager | Remote | £38,000 - £43,000 | Permanent

The Opportunity

If you're looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a finance function within a growing and ambitious SME, this is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic business where your expertise will have a direct impact on financial performance, operational efficiency and strategic growth.

Our client is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join their management team in a hands-on leadership role within a growing and dynamic IT consultancy. Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls and the delivery of meaningful commercial insights that support key business decisions.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, helping to shape financial strategy while driving continuous improvements in systems, processes and reporting capabilities. You will play a key role in supporting business growth through effective financial planning, analysis and performance management.

Finance Manager Responsibilities

Management Accounting:
Produce accurate monthly management accounts, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow reporting, ensuring stakeholders have timely and meaningful financial information.

Month-End & Year-End Reporting:
Lead month-end and year-end close processes, maintaining reporting accuracy and ensuring all deadlines are achieved.

Budgeting & Forecasting:
Manage budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis activities, providing insight into financial performance and future business requirements.

Financial Controls & Governance:
Maintain strong financial controls, governance procedures and compliance frameworks to support effective financial management and risk mitigation.

VAT & Statutory Compliance:
Prepare and coordinate VAT returns, tax submissions and statutory reporting requirements, ensuring compliance with all relevant UK regulations.

Cash Flow Management:
Monitor cash flow performance and working capital requirements, identifying opportunities to improve liquidity and financial efficiency.

Finance Operations Management:
Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll and banking activities, ensuring the smooth operation of all core finance functions.

Financial Analysis & Business Insight:
Provide financial analysis and commercial insight to support strategic planning, decision-making and overall business performance.

Risk & Performance Monitoring:
Identify financial risks, opportunities and performance trends, making recommendations to enhance profitability and operational outcomes.

Process Improvement:
Drive continuous improvements across finance systems, reporting processes and operational controls to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Senior Leadership Partnership:
Support senior leadership with financial planning, business performance analysis and strategic financial guidance.

Ideal Finance Manager

Finance Management Experience:
Previous experience within a Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, Financial Controller or similar finance leadership role.

Management Accounting Expertise:
Strong knowledge of management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting.

SME Environment Experience:
Experience operating within an SME or growing business environment, with a proactive and hands-on approach.

Financial Compliance Knowledge:
Sound understanding of UK financial regulations, VAT requirements and statutory reporting obligations.

Technical Skills:
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience using accounting software. Previous exposure to Xero would be highly advantageous.

Analytical Ability:
Strong analytical, problem-solving and financial modelling skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable recommendations.

Professional Qualification:
Part-qualified or fully qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA would be advantageous.

Systems & Process Improvement Experience:
Experience identifying and implementing improvements to financial systems, controls and business processes.

Communication & Stakeholder Management:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Commercial Awareness:
Ability to translate financial information into practical business insights that support growth and performance improvement.

Organisation & Attention to Detail:
Exceptional accuracy, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Collaborative Approach:
A proactive, positive and team-focused attitude with a willingness to contribute beyond core responsibilities when required.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location:
Fully Remote (Candidates ideally based within the Midlands region)

Working Pattern:
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Working Arrangement:
Remote 

Finance Manager Salary & Benefits

Salary:
£38,000 - £43,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Benefits:

• Permanent position within a growing and evolving business.
• Fully remote working environment.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Private healthcare after three months' service.
• Three additional mental health and wellbeing days per year.
• Opportunity to play a key role within the management team and influence the future growth of the business.
• Exposure to a broad, commercially focused finance role with genuine strategic involvement.

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

• Ford & Stanley TalentWise – Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services.
• Ford & Stanley Recruitment – Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions.
• Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions.
• Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance coaching, training, and mental fitness.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Ref: Finance Manager