Finance Manager

Universal Quantum; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Quantum in the United Kingdom seeks a part-qualified finance professional to oversee day-to-day finance operations, including AP/AR, invoicing, VAT returns and month-end close. You will manage supplier onboarding, POs and payments while ensuring UK accounting standards and robust controls.

Join a growing team, drive process improvements, support audits, and contribute to automation across finance functions in a multi-entity environment.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA with drive to complete qualifications.
• Solid understanding of UK accounting principles and VAT rules.
• Hands-on invoicing, AP/AR, reconciliations and month-end tasks.
• Proficient in Xero, QuickBooks or NetSuite and Excel/Sheets.
• Experience with supplier onboarding, POs, payments and queries.
• Ability to maintain accurate ledgers and auditable processes.
• Comfort with multi-entity or international setups.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• Independent, accountable and process-improvement minded.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations including AP/AR, invoicing and month-end.
• Manage supplier onboarding, payments and related queries.
• Maintain ledgers per UK accounting standards and VAT rules.
• Prepare VAT returns and liaise with HMRC as needed.
• Support audits with documentation and internal controls.
• Monitor spend, variances and work with budget owners on discipline.
• Drive automation across invoicing, supplier management and reconciliations.
• Strengthen internal controls as the business scales.

Skills

ACCA/CIMA/ACA (partial)

UK accounting standards

VAT compliance

AP/AR processes

Invoicing cycles

Excel/Google Sheets

Xero/QuickBooks/NetSuite

multi-entity experience

time management

internal controls

Education

Part-qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA

Tools

Xero

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Job description

About Universal Quantum

At Universal Quantum, we are building the next generation of quantum computers — machines capable of solving problems once thought impossible. Our technology has the potential to transform industries from healthcare to aerospace, materials science, and beyond. As we scale from breakthrough R&D to global delivery, resilient execution becomes as critical as technical innovation.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, bank reconciliations, and month‑end routines.
• Manage supplier processes from onboarding to payments.
• Maintain accurate financial records aligned with UK accounting standards and internal controls.
• Take ownership of preparing and submitting VAT returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements.
• Support month‑end and year‑end close processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Assist with internal and external audits by ensuring documentation and processes are complete and audit‑ready.
• Monitor spend, highlight variances, and work closely with budget owners to ensure financial discipline.
• Identify inefficiencies in financial processes and implement streamlined, scalable solutions.
• Contribute to automation initiatives across invoicing, supplier management, and reconciliations.
• Strengthen internal controls and introduce best‑practice financial processes as the business grows.

The 3 Most Critical Attributes We'll Use to Compare Candidates

1. Accuracy & Attention to Detail: You’ll be the guardian of financial data integrity—small errors can have big impacts, and precision is essential.
2. Proactive Ownership Mindset: You take initiative, anticipate needs, and close loops without being asked. You thrive in environments where you can build and improve.
3. Strong Communication & Stakeholder Confidence: You can explain financial matters clearly to non‑finance teams, manage suppliers professionally, and build trust across the organisation.

Must-have Skills

• Part‑qualified ACCA, CIMA, or ACA, with ambition to complete qualifications.
• Solid understanding of UK accounting principles and VAT rules.
• Strong hands‑on experience with invoicing cycles, AP/AR processes, reconciliations, and month‑end tasks.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite) and strong Excel/Google Sheets skills.
• Experience managing supplier onboarding, purchase orders, payment runs and resolving queries.
• Ability to maintain accurate ledgers and ensure robust, auditable financial processes.
• Comfortable working in organisations with multi‑entity or international considerations.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently with accountability for outcomes.
• A mindset geared toward continuous improvement and financial process optimisation.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas and data modelling.
• Experience supporting ERP implementation or systems migration, particularly in scaling multi‑entity environments.
• German language skills, useful for supplier communication and coordination with Germany‑based accountants.