Finance Manager

Reed; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading distribution business is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee daily finance operations in Chelmsford. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with a strong financial analysis background and expertise in Excel. Responsibilities include preparing management accounts, managing cash flow, and leading the finance team. This role entails regular communication with external stakeholders and offers a full-time position with a salary up to £65,000. Hybrid working conditions apply.

Qualifications

• Excellent financial analysis, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong finance & accounting technical skills.
• Highly IT literate with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts and KPIs.
• Ensure timely completion of Balance Sheet reconciliations.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and variance analysis.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including accountants and banks.
• Manage finance team day-to-day ensuring deadlines are met.

Skills

Financial analysis

Reporting

Problem-solving

Strong management skills

Excellent communication

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Finance Manager

• Annual Salary: Up to £65,000
• Location: Chelmsford, Essex (hybrid)
• Job Type: Full-time

Reed Finance have partnered with a leading distribution business, who are seeking a driven, dedicated, and methodical Finance Manager to join their finance team at our offices on the outskirts of Chelmsford.

This key role will report directly to the Managing Director and will have a direct line of communication to the Board. As a Finance Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance operations within our busy distribution company, ensuring the timely completion of all finance tasks and adherence to statutory requirements.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts and KPIs, including variation analysis and commentary.
• Ensure all Balance Sheet reconciliations and controls are completed on time each month.
• Assist in the identification, investigation, and resolution of stock discrepancies as part of the monthly stock take, along with review of the aged stock report.
• Manage accurate capitalisation and recording of fixed assets.
• Oversee cash flow management, including weekly forecasting, variance analysis, and commentary.
• Oversee credit control, authorise credit applications, and maintain the general sales ledger.
• Manage weekly/monthly multi-currency payment runs and general purchase ledger maintenance.
• Conduct daily reviews of bank and cash, including invoice finance management.
• Assist in the preparation of the monthly payroll and ensure monthly VAT returns are completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Manage the finance team day-to-day, ensuring all relevant deadlines and objectives are consistently met, and queries or issues are resolved promptly.
• Work closely with the management team to drive continuous improvement in the department, identifying and implementing improvements across processes, controls, and reporting to ensure efficient working practices.
• Support the Managing Director with budget preparation and forecasts.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including accountants, banks, and HMRC.
• Undertake project or ad-hoc work as requested by the Managing Director.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA). Qualified by experience will also be considered.
• Excellent financial analysis, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong finance & accounting technical skills.
• Highly IT literate, proficient in Excel (including Pivot, V-Look Ups) and PowerPoint.

Personal Qualities:

• Team player with strong management skills.
• Resilient and flexible work approach.
• Solutions-focused with a "can-do" attitude.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
• Proactive, uses initiative.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Attention to detail.

If you are interested in finding out more about this Finance Manager position, please apply now.