Assistant Finance Manager

Reed; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed-term maternity cover

Mentorship by Finance Director

Broad exposure to finance functions

Commercial role with impact

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Reed is seeking an experienced Assistant Finance Manager for a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. You will report to the Finance Director and lead transactional finance, cashflow, and reporting activities across an international business.

The role emphasizes process improvements and cross-department collaboration. Ideal candidates hold AAT/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent, with experience in AP/AR and supervising teams, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 3/4, ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent finance qualification.
• Experience in Finance Manager / Accountant / Assistant Management Accountant or similar.
• Experience overseeing transactional finance functions (AP/AR).
• Proven experience supervising team members.
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and proactive process improvement.
• Excellent communication across departments.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Support the Finance Director with daily finance activities.
• Lead Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable with strong controls.
• Act as a key contact for finance and sales queries.
• Review finance processes and drive efficiency improvements.
• Monitor cashflow and assist with working capital initiatives.
• Handle supplier/customer queries and timely resolutions.
• Prepare VAT returns, commission calculations, and reconciliations.
• Support management accounts reporting and weekly debtor meetings.
• Provide cover during annual leave and assist audits.

Skills

AAT Level 3/4

ACCA or CIMA

Team supervision

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

Excel

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

AAT Level 3/4 or equivalent

ACCA

CIMA

Tools

Excel

Job description

Assistant Finance Manager

12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

£40-45k depending on experience

Full-Time Office-Based

We are recruiting for a hands-on Assistant Finance Manager to join a busy finance team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to play a key role in the day-to-day running of the finance function while contributing to process improvements and supporting wider business operations.

This varied position offers exposure across an international business, transactional finance, reporting, cashflow management, reconciliations, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Finance Director with daily finance activities and delegated responsibilities.
• Lead and oversee the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, ensuring efficient processes and strong financial controls.
• Act as a key contact for finance and sales-related queries, providing practical support across the business.
• Review existing finance processes, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations to enhance efficiency.
• Monitor cashflow performance and support initiatives to improve working capital management.
• Manage escalated supplier and customer queries, ensuring timely resolution.
• Prepare and assist with VAT returns, commission calculations, and balance sheet reconciliations, including goods in transit.
• Support management accounts reporting and contribute to weekly debtors' meetings.
• Provide departmental support and cover during periods of annual leave.
• Assist with financial audits and continuous improvement projects across the finance function.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• AAT Level 3/4, ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent finance qualification.
• Previous experience in a Finance Manager, Accountant, Assistant Management Accountant or similar position.
• Experience overseeing transactional finance functions, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
• Proven experience supervising team members.
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical abilities with a proactive approach to process improvement.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work across multiple departments.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and organisational skills.

What's on Offer

• 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract.
• Opportunity to work closely with an experienced Finance Director.
• Broad exposure across financial reporting, cashflow management, reconciliations, and business support.
• A varied and commercially focused role with real opportunity to influence finance processes.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for your next challenge and are available for a 12-month fixed-term opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.