Finanace Manager

Perfect Recruitment; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Perfect Recruitment is partnering with a Blackburn-based SME to recruit a Finance Manager. You will own the finance function, work with senior management and drive commercial insight across the business. This hands-on role requires a pragmatic leader who can balance detail with the big picture and influence outcomes.

You’ll lead a small team and collaborate across departments to deliver accurate reporting, tight controls and effective strategies for growth in a private, close-knit business.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a finance function in an SME.
• Strong accounting and financial reporting skills.
• Experience managing cash flow, budgets, forecasts and working capital.
• Good understanding of VAT, year-end processes and financial compliance.
• Experience supervising a small team and developing staff.
• ACCA/CIMA/ACA/AAT or equivalent qualifications welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, profitability reports and financial analyses.
• Manage cash flow, budgets, forecasts and working capital.
• Monitor financial performance, highlight variances and identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee VAT returns, year-end preparations and compliance.
• Maintain robust financial controls and reporting processes.
• Provide financial information and commercial insight to support decisions.
• Lead and develop a small team, including purchasing.

Skills

Senior Finance

Management reporting

Cash flow management

Budgeting & forecasts

Commercial insight

Team leadership

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA/AAT

Job description

Salary: £40,000+ per annum, depending on experience

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

A big role in a smaller business. Where your contribution really matters.

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence decisions and genuinely make a difference?

We're working with an established, independent business in Blackburn to recruit a Finance Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful, privately owned SME with an established operation, a close-knit team and ambitions for the future.

They're looking for someone who can take responsibility for the finance function, work closely with senior management and play an important role in the continued development of the business.

It's an opportunity to move away from the layers of a larger corporate environment and into a position where your contribution is visible, your opinions are valued and you can genuinely influence how the business operates.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll take ownership of the financial management of the business, ensuring accurate reporting, effective financial controls and clear commercial insight.

You'll lead a small team of three, including purchasing, and work closely with colleagues across the business to support its day-to-day operations and longer-term ambitions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and reviewing monthly management accounts, profitability reports and financial analysis.
• Managing cash flow, budgets, forecasts and working capital.
• Monitoring financial performance, identifying variances and highlighting opportunities for improvement.
• Overseeing VAT returns, financial compliance and year-end preparations.
• Maintaining effective financial controls, processes and reporting procedures.
• Providing meaningful financial information and commercial insight to support business decisions.
• Leading, supporting and developing a small team of three, including purchasing.
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes and the overall efficiency of the function.

This is a hands-on management position. You'll need to be comfortable taking responsibility for the detail while also understanding the bigger commercial picture.

About You

We're looking for someone with the experience, confidence and practical ability to manage a finance function within a smaller or medium-sized business.

You might already be a Finance Manager or Financial Controller, or an experienced Management Accountant ready to take the next step in your career.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Proven experience in a senior finance or financial management position.
• Strong practical accounting skills, including management accounts and financial reporting.
• Experience managing cash flow, budgets, forecasts and financial controls.
• A good understanding of VAT, financial compliance and year-end processes.
• Experience managing or supervising a small team.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to interpret financial information.
• An organised, reliable and proactive approach, with the confidence to work independently.

Experience within manufacturing, distribution, stock control or purchasing would be particularly advantageous.

Professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA or AAT are welcomed, but we're equally interested in people who have developed their expertise through relevant experience.

Above all, we're looking for someone approachable, down-to-earth and happy to roll their sleeves up when needed.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a chance to join a business where people are valued, good ideas are welcomed and individual contributions genuinely count.

You’ll benefit from:

• Real responsibility: Take ownership of the finance function and have a meaningful influence on how the business operates.
• Direct access: Work closely with the Managing Director and other key decision-makers.
• A close-knit team: Lead and develop a small team within an approachable working environment.
• Variety and involvement: Gain exposure to the wider operation rather than being restricted to one area of finance.
• Opportunity to improve: Bring your ideas, improve processes and help shape the future of the business.

There's no unnecessary corporate hierarchy or layers of management. This is an environment that values loyalty, open communication and people who take pride in what they do.

A Proper Handover. Time to Get It Right.

One of the biggest advantages of this opportunity is the planned transition.

The existing Finance Manager is preparing to leave after many years with the business, and our client is recruiting ahead of time to allow for a comprehensive, structured handover.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn the systems, understand the processes, build relationships with colleagues and gradually take ownership with the support of someone who knows the business inside out.

It's an opportunity to settle into a position properly, rather than being expected to learn everything overnight.