Finance Manager

Cherry Professional - Relationship Led Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherry Professional is assisting a growing UK SME in Greater Manchester to recruit a Finance Manager. This hands-on role leads the day-to-day finance function, reports to senior leadership, and supports future growth with strong financial controls and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will oversee the balance sheet, manage a small team, ensure accurate reporting, and contribute to commercial decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA preferred; QBE considered.
• Hands-on finance role within an SME environment.
• Strong technical accounting skills, especially balance sheet ownership.
• Experience with VAT and CIS returns and group reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close and deliver a fully reconciled trial balance for group reporting.
• Own the balance sheet including accruals, prepayments and fixed assets.
• Oversee revenue, billing and receivables, ensuring cash flow controls.
• Prepare and submit VAT and CIS returns on time and accurately.
• Maintain and enhance financial controls in line with group policies.
• Partner with operational teams to monitor costs and profitability.
• Manage, coach and develop the Finance Administrator.
• Act as local finance lead supporting audits and group reporting.

Skills

CIMA/ACCA/ACA

SME experience

Stakeholder management

Balance sheet ownership

VAT/CIS returns

Month-end close

Team leadership

Education

CIMA/ACCA/ACA professional qualification

Job description

Finance Manager up to £55,000 plus benefits Greater Manchester (East Manchester)
Are you a commercially minded finance professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact and take ownership of a growing finance function?
We're partnering with a successful and rapidly growing UK SME, backed by a well-established international group, to recruit a talented Finance Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to join a business where you'll have real influence, work closely with senior leadership, and play a key role in driving financial performance and supporting future growth.

Offering a high degree of autonomy and visibility, this position is ideal for a hands-on finance professional who enjoys operating across both the operational and strategic aspects of finance and thrives in a dynamic business environment.

The Opportunity Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls, and compliance with group requirements. You'll also manage and develop a small finance team while acting as the key finance contact for the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close process, delivering a fully reconciled trial balance for group reporting.
• Take ownership of the balance sheet, including accruals, prepayments and fixed asset accounting.
• Oversee revenue, billing and receivables, supporting effective cash flow management.
• Prepare and submit VAT and CIS returns accurately and on time.
• Maintain and enhance financial controls in line with group policies and best practice.
• Partner with operational teams to monitor costs, improve profitability and support commercial decision-making.
• Manage, coach and develop a Finance Administrator.
• Act as the local finance lead, supporting audits and group reporting requirements.

About You

We're looking for a proactive and capable finance professional who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a practical and commercial approach.
You'll ideally have:

• Qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA preferred, although applications from part-qualified and qualified by experience (QBE) finance professionals are welcomed.
• Proven experience in a hands-on finance role within an SME environment.
• Strong technical accounting skills, particularly around balance sheet ownership and control.
• The confidence and credibility to engage with and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience within project-led sectors would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of construction accounting and CIS processes would be beneficial, but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates with strong finance experience gained in other sectors.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, office-based environment.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £55,000 plus benefits
• A leadership role with genuine ownership of the finance function.
• Close collaboration with senior decision-makers and key stakeholders.
• The support and stability of a successful international parent group.
• The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the business.
• A highly visible position where your work will directly influence business performance and operational success.

Suitable Backgrounds You may currently be working as a:

Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Company Accountant, Finance Business Partner or Senior Management Accountant.

If you're looking for a role that combines technical accounting responsibility with commercial influence and genuine ownership, we'd love to hear from you.