Finance Manager

Platinum Recruitment Group; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work pattern

Long-term career path to FD

Job summary

Platinum Recruitment Group in Manchester city centre (Hybrid) is seeking a Finance Manager to join a successful SME. The role covers cradle-to-grave finance from transactional to strategic reporting, working directly with senior stakeholders and the Finance Director.

You will lead a small finance team, own the monthly management accounts, budgeting, and board reporting, and contribute to strategic decisions. This is a long-term career move with growth into a senior finance leadership position.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA or CA.
• 3–5+ years in financial analysis, management accounting, auditing or broad finance roles.
• SME environment experience essential; consultancy sector is a plus.
• Experience across full finance spectrum from transactional to strategic reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills; Sage 50 Accounts experience preferable.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day finance operations: invoices, payables, receivables, credit control, ledgers, bank reconciliations, payroll, VAT.
• Cash flow management and working capital oversight.
• Management reporting: monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis.
• Budgeting and forecasting: annual budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Statutory accounts and compliance support; maintain financial risk controls.
• Board-level reporting: provide clear financial information to the FD and board.
• Commercial support and strategic input on growth and cost initiatives.
• Lead and develop a small finance team.

Skills

Financial analysis

Management accounting

Advanced Excel

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technical accounting

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA/CA)

Tools

Sage 50 Accounts

Job description

Finance Manager
Manchester City Centre (Hybrid)
£50,000 - £60,000

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful, well regarded consultancy business as their Finance Manager. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a genuine succession role: as the FD moves towards retirement over the next three years, the right person will grow into the role and become the natural next leader of the finance function.

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit in a narrow specialism. It is a true cradle to grave finance position in a close knit SME, where you will be involved in everything from day to day transactional finance through to board level reporting, commercial advice and strategic decision making.

They are looking for the right person, not just the right CV. Culture fit is just as important as technical ability. The successful candidate will be dealing with people at all levels, including senior stakeholders and the board, so they need someone confident, personable, collaborative and comfortable building strong relationships across the business.

This is a great opportunity for someone from a similar SME environment who enjoys variety, wants ownership of the finance function, and is looking for a long term home where they can develop into a more senior role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Day-to-day finance operations - invoices, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, ledger entries, bank reconciliations, payroll, VAT and general accounting administration.
• Cash flow and working capital - manage cash flow, working capital and the day-to-day financial running of the business.
• Management reporting - prepare monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and meaningful financial insight for the FD and senior leadership team.
• Budgeting and forecasting - prepare annual budgets, rolling forecasts and support business planning.
• Statutory accounts and compliance - support the production of statutory accounts and ensure the business remains compliant while minimising financial risk.
• Board-level reporting - prepare clear, accurate and well-presented financial information for board meetings and senior stakeholders.
• Commercial and strategic support - work closely with the FD and senior leadership team on investment decisions, cost reduction, growth plans and wider business strategy.
• Team leadership - manage and develop a small finance team, bringing structure and support while maintaining the collaborative culture.

What We're Looking For

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or CA qualified, or qualified by experience with strong relevant expertise
• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in financial analysis, management accounting, auditing or a broad finance role
• Experience in an SME environment is essential; consultancy sector experience would be a strong advantage
• Comfortable with the full finance spectrum, from transactional work through to senior-level reporting and commercial support
• Strong technical accounting knowledge across management accounts, statutory accounts, reconciliations, VAT, payroll and cash flow
• Advanced Excel skills, financial modelling ability and experience with accounting software; Sage 50 Accounts experience is preferable
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to present to the FD, board and senior stakeholders
• Experience managing a small team
• A practical, proactive and hands-on approach, with the ability to roll your sleeves up while also thinking strategically
• Someone who is friendly, approachable, collaborative and ego-free, and who genuinely wants to build a long-term career with the business

The Package

• Salary: £50,000 - £60,000, depending on experience
• Working pattern: Hybrid, typically 1-2 days working from home
• Location: Manchester city centre

If you are looking for a varied, people focused finance role where you can really get stuck in, work closely with a supportive leadership team, and develop towards an FD role over the coming years, this could be the perfect opportunity.