Finance Manager

Astute Recruitment; Derby; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Astute Recruitment in Derby is seeking a Finance Manager to join a well-established business. This hands-on role leads the day-to-day finance function and provides financial insight to support informed decisions.

You’ll manage management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, VAT and year-end, while working closely with senior management and external partners. This is a fully office-based, permanent role with a £40,000 salary.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified AAT, CIMA or another recognised accountancy qualification.
• Strong experience in a hands-on Finance Manager or similar senior finance role.
• Proven ability in management accounts, budgeting and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management and financial accounts with clear analysis and commentary for senior management.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and regular financial performance reviews.
• Oversee cash flow and treasury activities to maintain clear financial position.
• Oversee VAT returns, PAYE, NI and other financial compliance requirements.
• Liaise with external providers including pensions, insurers and HMRC.
• Lead year-end processes and coordinate with external auditors.
• Provide financial information to support growth and process improvements.

Skills

Excel

MS Office

Communication

Financial analysis

Education

Part-qualified AAT / CIMA

Tools

Sage 50 Cloud

Job description

Derby | Permanent | Full-time | Fully office-based | £40,000

Astute Recruitment are recruiting for a Finance Manager to join a well-established business based in Derby.

This is a hands‑on role where you'll take ownership of the day‑to‑day finance function, while also providing the financial insight the wider business needs to make informed decisions.

You’ll be involved across management accounts, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow, compliance and year-end, as well as working closely with senior management and external partners.

The role:

You’ll be responsible for:

• Preparing monthly management and financial accounts, with clear analysis and commentary for senior management.
• Managing budgets, forecasts and regular financial performance reviews.
• Managing cash flow and treasury activities, ensuring the business has a clear view of its financial position.
• Overseeing VAT returns, PAYE, NI and other financial compliance requirements.
• Managing relationships with external providers including pensions, insurance, healthcare providers and HMRC.
• Taking the lead on year‑end accounts and working closely with the external auditors.
• Supporting the wider business with financial information and contributing to ongoing growth and improvements.
• Looking for ways to improve processes, systems and the overall efficiency of the finance function.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is confident taking ownership and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. You’ll ideally have:

• Part-qualified AAT, CIMA or another recognised accountancy qualification.
• Previous experience in a hands‑on Finance Manager or similar senior finance role.
• Strong management accounts, budgeting and forecasting experience.
• Excellent Excel skills and strong general MS Office knowledge.
• Good working knowledge of Sage 50 Cloud.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues.
• A proactive approach and the confidence to build relationships across the business and with external contacts.