Finance Manager

Totaco Ltd; Derby; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist R&D tax consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to manage payroll, oversee finance operations, and provide HR support. Ideal candidates will be part-qualified or qualified accountants with hands-on experience in managing business finances and proficiency in Sage software. The role offers competitive salary, quarterly bonus, and potential hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Quarterly discretionary bonus

25 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown

Flexible in-office days

Qualifications

• Must have experience in Corporation Tax submissions (CT600).
• Track record of ownership, accuracy, and solving financial issues.
• Confident communicator with leadership presence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and run payroll processes accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate financial records using Sage.
• Take ownership of key finance functions including budgeting and forecasting.
• Address and resolve legacy finance issues.
• Provide general HR support as required.
• Report directly to senior leadership.

Skills

CT600 experience

Hands-on finance management

Sage accounting software proficiency

HR administrative skills

Proactive communication

Education

Part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, AAT)

Tools

Sage

Job description

Overview

We are a specialist R&D tax consultancy supporting innovative UK businesses in sectors like engineering, manufacturing, packaging, and technology. We help clients unlock funding through the R&D tax credit scheme while maintaining a strong emphasis on compliance, precision, and integrity. Our team is growing fast, and we're now strengthening our internal operations with a senior finance hire.

The Role

This is a hands-on Finance Manager position, ideal for someone who thrives on autonomy, detail, and accountability. Sitting within the senior leadership team, you will oversee payroll, Sage-led finance operations, and elements of HR and compliance. You\'ll play a critical role in maintaining high operational standards, addressing legacy finance issues, and ensuring the business has a strong financial foundation to support its growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and run payroll processes accurately and on time, managing deductions and statutory requirements
• Maintain accurate financial records using Sage, ensuring reconciliations, journals, and month-end processes are robust
• Take ownership of key finance functions including budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and debtor management
• Address and resolve legacy finance issues such as unprocessed debtor ledgers or aged balances
• Liaise with accountants on CT600 submissions (not essential but helpful)
• Provide general HR support where required (contracts, holiday tracking, compliance admin)
• Report directly to senior leadership and play a proactive role in business decision-making
• Uphold high standards of integrity, reliability, and confidentiality at all times

About You

• Must have CT600 (Corporation Tax) experience.
• Part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, AAT, or equivalent)
• Strong hands-on experience managing business finances and payroll
• Proficient user of Sage accounting software (essential)
• Comfortable managing HR admin and operational processes
• Track record of ownership, accuracy, and solving financial issues
• Confident communicator with leadership presence and a proactive mindset
• Experience across different sectors welcomed - industry background is flexible

What’s on Offer

• Competitive Salary, depending on experience
• Quarterly discretionary bonus
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown
• 4 days a week in-office - potentially moving to 3 days.
• A leadership seat in a fast-scaling, mission-led business