Accounts Manager (Finance & Payroll)

Proactive Personnel Ltd; Cannock; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic recruitment agency in Cannock is seeking an experienced Accounts Manager (Finance & Payroll) to lead day-to-day finance operations. This role involves managing accounts payable and receivable, payroll processes, and compliance tasks, along with significant interaction with external auditors. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in finance within an SME setup and demonstrate excellent skills in financial reporting and analysis. Offered salary is between £30k to £34k, with benefits including a pension contribution and optional private healthcare.

Benefits

23 days holiday per annum

6% employer pension contribution

4× salary life insurance

Optional private healthcare

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Accounts Manager or Finance Manager role within an SME.
• Strong hands-on experience across AP, AR, bank reconciliations, journals, and month-end/year-end close.
• Experience supporting audits and working with external accountants.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day finance operations and payroll processing.
• Lead the month-end close process and prepare monthly management accounts.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and ensure compliance.

Skills

AP, AR management

Payroll processing

Strong Excel skills

Audit support

Attention to detail

Education

AAT qualified or equivalent

Tools

Sage

QuickBooks

Xero

Job description

Overview

8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon – Thurs)

8:30am – 4:00 pm (Friday)

£30k – 34k (depending on experience – to achieve the 34k you must be able to meet all essential skills and experience)

Reports to: Managing Director

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Accounts Manager (Finance & Payroll) to take full ownership of day-to-day finance operations within a growing SME environment.

This is a broad, standalone role reporting directly to the Managing Director, responsible for financial operations, month-end and year-end close, payroll, compliance, and coordination with external auditors and advisors. The successful candidate will be confident managing the full finance function and improving processes where possible.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations (AP, AR & Cashflow)

• Manage Accounts Payable: supplier onboarding, invoice processing, approvals, payment runs, statement reconciliations, and query resolution
• Manage Accounts Receivable: raising sales invoices and credit notes, cash allocation, debtor control, credit management, and overdue collections
• Complete bank reconciliations and monitor daily cashflow
• Support short-term cash planning and reporting
• Process expense claims and company card reconciliations

Month-End, Quarter-End & Year-End

• Lead the month-end close process including journals, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare monthly management accounts and reporting packs
• Support quarterly reporting and analysis
• Coordinate year-end accounts preparation and audit files
• Liaise with external accountants and auditors to ensure a smooth audit process

Payroll & Wages

• Process weekly and/or monthly payroll, including starters, leavers, pay changes, deductions, and pensions
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure HMRC compliance
• Handle payroll-related queries professionally and confidentially
• Coordinate payroll changes with management and HR support providers

Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and supporting reconciliations
• Support PAYE, pension, and statutory reporting obligations
• Maintain strong financial controls, policies, and documentation

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain finance systems and ensure accurate customer, supplier, and nominal data
• Produce regular reports including P&L, balance sheet, aged debtors/creditors, cash position, and KPIs
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities

Skills & Experience – Essential

• Proven experience in an Accounts Manager or Finance Manager role within an SME
• Strong hands-on experience across AP, AR, bank reconciliations, journals, and month-end/year-end close
• Payroll processing experience (end-to-end)
• Experience supporting audits and working with external accountants
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations)
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to manage deadlines and resolve issues

Desirable

• AAT qualified or equivalent (ACCA/CIMA part or fully qualified is advantageous)
• Experience with VAT, multi-currency, import/export, or stock accounting
• Familiarity with finance systems such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP Business One, or Dynamics

Personal Attributes

• Trustworthy and discreet, handling sensitive financial and payroll data
• Proactive with a strong sense of ownership
• Calm and resilient during month-end and audit periods
• Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset

Benefits Package

• Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum
• Holiday: 23 days per annum (increasing with service)
• Pension: 6% employer contribution
• Life Insurance: 4× salary
• Optional private healthcare (part funded)
• Hybrid working considered after initial period