Accounts Manager

CMD Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in the UK is looking for an experienced finance professional to manage end-to-end bookkeeping and payroll processes. The ideal candidate will take ownership of finance duties, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in reporting. Responsibilities include managing purchase ledgers, bank reconciliations, and month-end reporting. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and a proactive approach, with familiarity in using accounting software such as Sage or Xero. This role offers opportunities for process improvement and career growth.

Qualifications

• Experience taking ownership of finance processes within an SME.
• Highly organised, proactive, and confident taking responsibility.
• Excellent attention to detail with a mindset for root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage all bookkeeping duties from daily postings to month-end routines.
• Complete regular bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Oversee the purchase ledger, including invoices and payments.
• Run end-to-end payroll processing and maintain records.
• Deliver reliable month-end reporting that supports decision-making.

Skills

Bookkeeping and ledger control

Bank reconciliation

Purchase ledger & payments

Payroll

Month-end reporting

Tools

Sage

Xero

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys being the go-to person for bookkeeping, payroll, controls, and month-end reporting. The role would suit someone who thrives on accuracy, structure, and keeping everything running smoothly. You'll be supported by external accountants for year-end and by a knowledgeable leadership team, but the day-to-day ownership will be yours.

The Role

End-to-End Bookkeeping & Controls

• Manage all bookkeeping duties from daily postings through to month-end routines.
• Keep ledgers clean, accurate, and fully supported with audit-ready documentation.
• Ensure finance processes are consistent, documented, and adhered to.

Bank & Balance Sheet Reconciliations

• Complete regular bank reconciliations and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain key balance sheet reconciliations to keep accounts fully up to date.

Purchase Ledger & Supplier Payments

• Oversee the purchase ledger: invoices, credit notes, supplier statements, and queries.
• Prepare and process supplier payment runs, ensuring strong internal controls.
• Liaise with suppliers to maintain excellent relationships.
• Experience with foreign currency invoices/payments is a bonus.

Payroll

• Run end-to-end payroll processing (weekly/monthly as required).
• Maintain payroll records and ensure accurate, timely submissions.
• Handle payroll queries professionally and confidentially.

Month-End Reporting & Budget Support

• Deliver reliable month-end reporting that supports decision-making.
• Provide clear summaries of variances and highlight areas for attention.
• Support ongoing budget updates and contribute to improvements in reporting.

Liaison with External Accountants

• Act as the main point of contact for year-end requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and reconciliations to ensure a smooth, efficient year-end process.
• Provide timely responses and clear explanations where needed.

About You

Essential

• Experience taking ownership of finance processes within an SME or similar environment.
• Strong capability across:
  • Bookkeeping and ledger control
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Purchase ledger & payments
  • Payroll
  • Month-end reporting
• Highly organised, proactive, and confident taking responsibility.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the mindset to investigate and fix root causes.

Desirable

• Experience with foreign currency purchase ledger transactions.
• Experience improving processes, controls, or reporting.
• Familiarity with accounting systems such as Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks, plus strong Excel skills.