Finance Manager

Osborne Appointments; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Osborne Appointments is recruiting a Finance Manager for a Bedford-based client on a 9-month fixed-term contract. Hybrid working: 3 days in the office after training. You will lead the finance team, manage month-end, payroll, and reporting, ensuring robust controls and timely statutory submissions.

The role requires AAT Level 4 or CIMA/ACCA part-qualification, strong Excel and SAGE 50 skills, and proven experience in budgeting and cash flow management.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 4 or CIMA/ACCA part-qualified.
• Proven experience leading a finance team.
• Experience with month-end and producing management accounts.
• Hands-on payroll experience.
• Strong Excel and SAGE 50 proficiency.
• Good understanding of cash flow, budgeting and controls.
• Experience in VAT and statutory reporting is desirable.
• Project accounting exposure is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a four-person finance team.
• Oversee day-to-day finance functions across ledgers and payroll.
• Own the month-end process and prepare management accounts and P&L.
• Produce balance sheet reconciliations, cash flow and variance analysis.
• Manage monthly payroll, pensions and HMRC submissions.
• Monitor cash flow, forecasts, and working capital relationships.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial input.
• Drive continuous improvements in processes and reporting.

Skills

Team leadership

Month-end

Payroll

Excel

SAGE 50

Cash flow

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Financial reporting

Attention to detail

Education

AAT Level 4 or CIMA/ACCA part-qualified

Tools

SAGE 50

Excel

Job description

Role: Finance Manager

Location: Bedford

Hours: Monday to Friday, 39 hours a week

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum

9 Month Fixed Term Contract, Immediate Start Available

Hybrid working - 3 days office based, after training

OA are currently looking to recruit for an experienceed Finance Manager to join a well-established client based in Bedford, on a contract basis to help support and manage the finance team.

Duties of a Finance Manager

• Lead and manage a team of four finance professionals, providing coaching, development and day-to-day support.
• Oversee the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate and timely processing across sales ledger, purchase ledger and general ledger.
• Own the month-end process, producing accurate management accounts, P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, cash flow reporting and variance analysis.
• Manage the monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll, pensions and HMRC submissions.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital, maintaining forecasts and managing debtor, creditor and banking relationships.
• Support budgeting and forecasting, providing financial insight and recommendations to the Finance and Managing Directors.
• Ensure financial compliance and robust controls, including VAT returns, statutory requirements and year-end audit preparation.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and reporting to improve efficiency, accuracy and commercial decision-making.

What we would like from you

• AAT Level 4 qualified or CIMA/ACCA part-qualified.
• Proven experience managing month-end and producing management accounts and financial reports.
• Hands-on experience managing monthly payroll.
• Knowledge and experience of SAGE 50
• Strong Excel and accounting systems experience.
• Good understanding of cash flow, budgeting and financial controls.
• Previous experience managing and developing a finance team.
• Strong attention to detail, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Project Accounting is a desirable