Finance Manager

West Midlands Growth Company; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday

Pension & life assurance

Hybrid work

Cycle to Work

Health scheme

Job summary

West Midlands Growth Company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the Finance team and deliver accurate reporting, forecasting and robust financial controls. You will report to the Senior Finance & Procurement Manager and ensure systems, processes and governance support informed decisions while minimising risk.

You'll oversee management accounts, budgeting, payroll and audit activity, building strong relationships with budget holders and stakeholders to

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance management role with reporting, forecasting and controls.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams.
• Experience producing management accounts and budgets.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication.
• Knowledge of payroll, VAT, audit and compliance requirements.
• Analytical, organised and detail-oriented.
• Proactive and collaborative approach.
• Experience in public sector, grant-funded or economic development environments.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance team to deliver timely management accounts and forecasts.
• Oversee budgeting, payroll, VAT returns and statutory submissions.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure robust financial controls and governance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with budget holders.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Continually improve financial processes and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Public sector experience

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

We're looking for an experienced and proactive Finance Manager to join the West Midlands Growth Company and play a key role in supporting the organisation's continued growth and success. If you're a commercially minded finance professional who thrives on delivering accurate financial insight, strengthening controls, leading high-performing teams, and supporting strategic decision-making, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Who are we?

The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is the region’s economic development delivery organisation.

From April 2026, we will lead the delivery of regionally commissioned economic development activity aligned to the West Midlands Growth Plan, working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities.

We are building a sharper, business-focused organisation that attracts investment, supports high-growth companies and drives measurable economic impact.

If you want your work to shape how growth is delivered across one of the UK’s most important regions, this is your opportunity!

The Role

As our newFinance Manager, you'll lead the Finance team and play a critical role in delivering accurate financial reporting, forecasting and financial controls across the organisation. Reporting to the Senior Finance & Procurement Manager, you'll ensure that financial systems, processes and governance frameworks support informed decision-making while minimising financial risk.

Leading a team of finance professionals, you'll oversee management accounts, budgeting, payroll, audit activity, financial compliance and stakeholder engagement, helping to ensure the organisation operates efficiently and effectively.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with leadership experience who is looking to make a significant impact within a purpose-driven organisation focused on regional growth and economic development.

You’ll Be Involved In:

• Leading Financial Reporting and Forecasting.
• Providing accurate, timely financial information and insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Driving Effective Financial Controls and Governance.
• Ensuring robust financial processes, risk management and compliance frameworks are embedded across the organisation.
• Managing and Developing the Finance Team.
• Creating a proactive, high-performing finance function that delivers excellent service across the business.

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial reports.
• Supporting budgeting, cashflow forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Managing payroll, pension reporting, VAT returns and statutory submissions.
• Leading and developing the Finance team to deliver an efficient, high-quality service.
• Building strong relationships with budget holders to support financial decision-making.
• Providing financial guidance, analysis and training to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Managing annual audit activities and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Overseeing financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
• Reviewing and authorising purchase orders, payments and expenditure in line with budgets.
• Maintaining risk registers, fraud controls and finance policies.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and reporting efficiency.
• Supporting wider organisational projects and strategic initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in a finance management role with responsibility for reporting, forecasting and financial controls.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets and financial analysis.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of payroll, VAT, audit and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and proficiency in financial systems and Excel.
• A proactive and collaborative approach
• Experience in public sector, grant-funded or economic development environments.
• Knowledge of financial risk management and fraud controls.
• Experience improving financial processes and systems.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• 26 days holiday
• Company pension scheme including life assurance
• Hybrid working with minimum 2 days in the office
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Simply Health employee membership scheme

We're an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.