Finance Manager

Abbeygate Search Ltd; Hertford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbeygate Search Ltd. is recruiting a hands-on Finance Manager for an established SME in Hertfordshire. The role leads a small transactional finance team, owns the month-end close, and delivers reliable management reporting.

You'll work closely with the senior leadership team, improve cash flow controls, budgeting and variance analysis, and ensure robust financial processes while staying close to day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a finance function in an SME.
• Strong month-end and management accounting knowledge.
• Experience with payroll and cashflow management.
• Hands-on, practical approach with ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable presenting to directors.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a small finance team.
• Own month-end close and reporting.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Oversee payroll end-to-end.
• Maintain financial controls and statutory compliance.
• Improve systems and processes.
• Provide financial information to leadership.

Skills

People management

Month-end close

Management accounting

Cash flow & controls

Payroll

Excel skills

Finance systems

Hands-on

Stakeholder communication

Education

Professional accounting qualification

AAT qualification / experience

Tools

Payroll software

ERP system

Accounting software

Job description

I’m recruiting a Finance Manager for an established, privately owned business based in Hertfordshire.

This is a hands‑on position managing a small transactional finance team and taking responsibility for the smooth day‑to‑day running of the finance function. The business is growing, but the environment remains practical, fast‑moving and relatively non‑corporate. They therefore need someone experienced who is comfortable getting into the detail, resolving issues and bringing greater structure to the department.

You’ll work closely with the senior leadership team and external finance support, providing reliable financial information while improving reporting, controls and processes. This is not a role for somebody who wants to operate purely at a strategic level. You’ll need to be visible, approachable and willing to get involved wherever needed.

The role will include:

• Managing and supporting a small finance team
• Taking ownership of the month‑end close and ensuring deadlines are met
• Producing and improving management reporting
• Monitoring cash flow, working capital and financial performance
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Overseeing core transactional finance activity
• Ensuring financial controls and statutory requirements are maintained
• Running and overseeing the end‑to‑end payroll process
• Providing financial analysis and information to the leadership team
• Improving existing systems, processes and ways of working
• Supporting wider projects as the business continues to grow

The person

The business needs an experienced and dependable Finance Manager who can quickly take ownership of the function. You’ll need to be comfortable managing people, working to competing deadlines and operating in an SME where priorities can change quickly.

You’re likely to have:

• Previous experience managing a finance function or working in a broad Finance Manager role
• Experience leading and developing a small team
• Strong month‑end and management accounting knowledge
• Good understanding of cash flow, controls and transactional finance
• Experience running or overseeing payroll
• Strong Excel and finance systems skills
• A practical, organised and hands‑on approach
• The confidence to work closely with directors and non‑finance colleagues

A professional accounting qualification would be useful, but the business is equally open to applicants who are AAT qualified, part‑qualified or qualified by experience. Relevant experience, stability and the ability to take ownership will matter more than a particular qualification.

The environment

This is a well‑established SME with a close‑knit, down‑to‑earth culture. It will suit someone who enjoys being part of the day‑to‑day operation, can build strong relationships across a business and wants the opportunity to make a visible difference.

The position is fully office‑based, so applicants must be comfortable with travelling to the office five days per week.

Salary is circa £50,000, depending on experience.