Finance Manager

CMD Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Bookkeeping and Payroll Specialist to manage all aspects of bookkeeping and payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance processes, particularly within an SME, and possess excellent organisational and communication skills. Responsibilities include overseeing the purchase ledger, managing payroll, and delivering month-end reports. Familiarity with accounting software like Sage or Xero is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience taking ownership of finance processes within an SME or similar environment.
• Highly organised and proactive, confident in taking responsibility.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to investigate root causes.

Responsibilities

• Manage all bookkeeping duties from daily postings through to month-end routines.
• Complete regular bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Run end-to-end payroll processing and maintain payroll records.
• Deliver reliable month-end reporting that supports decision-making.

Skills

Bookkeeping and ledger control

Bank reconciliation

Purchase ledger & payments

Payroll

Month-end reporting

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Tools

Sage

Xero

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys being the go-to person for bookkeeping, payroll, controls, and month-end reporting. The role would suit someone who thrives on accuracy, structure, and keeping everything running smoothly. You'll be supported by external accountants for year-end and by a knowledgeable leadership team, but the day-to-day ownership will be yours.

The Role

End-to-End Bookkeeping & Controls

• Manage all bookkeeping duties from daily postings through to month-end routines.
• Keep ledgers clean, accurate, and fully supported with audit-ready documentation.
• Ensure finance processes are consistent, documented, and adhered to.

Bank & Balance Sheet Reconciliations

• Complete regular bank reconciliations and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain key balance sheet reconciliations to keep accounts fully up to date.

Purchase Ledger & Supplier Payments

• Oversee the purchase ledger: invoices, credit notes, supplier statements, and queries.
• Prepare and process supplier payment runs, ensuring strong internal controls.
• Liaise with suppliers to maintain excellent relationships.
• Experience with foreign currency invoices/payments is a bonus.

Payroll

• Run end-to-end payroll processing (weekly/monthly as required).
• Maintain payroll records and ensure accurate, timely submissions.
• Handle payroll queries professionally and confidentially.

Month-End Reporting & Budget Support

• Deliver reliable month-end reporting that supports decision-making.
• Provide clear summaries of variances and highlight areas for attention.
• Support ongoing budget updates and contribute to improvements in reporting.

Liaison with External Accountants

• Act as the main point of contact for year-end requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and reconciliations to ensure a smooth, efficient year-end process.
• Provide timely responses and clear explanations where needed.

About You

Essential

• Experience taking ownership of finance processes within an SME or similar environment.
• Strong capability across:
  • Bookkeeping and ledger control
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Purchase ledger & payments
  • Payroll
  • Month-end reporting
• Highly organised, proactive, and confident taking responsibility.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the mindset to investigate and fix root causes.

Desirable

• Experience with foreign currency purchase ledger transactions.
• Experience improving processes, controls, or reporting.
• Familiarity with accounting systems such as Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks, plus strong Excel skills.