Finance Manager

Kick On Recruitment; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monday - Friday

Career development opportunities

Exposure to finance, HR and operations

Job summary

Kick On Recruitment is sourcing an experienced Finance Manager for a well-established UK manufacturing business. The role oversees the finance function, provides strategic financial insight, and supports commercial decision-making across the group.

You will manage the GL, lead the Accounts Assistant, and coordinate budgets, forecasts and year-end processes. French knowledge is a plus but not essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, AAT or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' finance experience in manufacturing/industrial environments.
• Strong cost accounting, stock valuation and manufacturing finance knowledge.
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• HR administration and payroll exposure is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance function and general ledger.
• Lead Accounts Assistant for AP/AR and payroll activities.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Analyse costs, margins and variances for leadership insight.
• Manage cash flow, VAT and year-end with auditors.
• Support senior management with planning and commercial decisions.
• Improve financial controls and reporting systems.

Skills

ACCA/CIMA/ACA/AAT

Finance management

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Leadership

Education

Accounting qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Our client is a well-established manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and premium products. Operating within a specialist sector, the business supplies customers across the UK and international markets and is known for its commitment to quality, innovation and long-term customer relationships.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the finance function and support strategic decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Management

• Manage the day-to-day finance function, including the general ledger.
• Lead and support the Accounts Assistant responsible for accounts payable and receivable.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Analyse manufacturing costs, margins and variances, providing meaningful financial insight to the leadership team.
• Oversee cash flow management and working capital requirements.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory obligations.
• Coordinate year-end accounts and manage relationships with external auditors.
• Support senior management with financial planning, business performance analysis and commercial decision-making.
• Review and improve financial controls, processes and reporting systems.
• Manage VAT reporting requirements, including UK and international registrations where applicable.

Human Resources

• Collect, verify, and maintain payroll data within the HR system on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Manage payroll processing and payments - Initially, payroll will be processed internally using the existing system. Longer term, payroll outsourcing is being evaluated, requiring liaison with external providers and validation of payroll outputs.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures, documentation and action plans.
• Manage and support the individual responsible for Health & Safety administration and compliance activities.

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, AAT or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' finance experience, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, stock valuation, and manufacturing finance.
• Proven experience preparing management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.
• Previous exposure to HR administration and payroll processes.
• Prior team management experience would be advantageous.
• Strong ERP systems experience and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work across multiple departments.
• Knowledge of French would be beneficial but is not essential.

Benefits

• 47,000 - 55,000 Basic Salary DOE
• Monday - Friday
• Opportunity to join a respected and growing manufacturing business.
• Broad role with exposure to finance, HR, and operational activities.
• Collaborative working environment with direct involvement in business decision-making.
• Long-term career development opportunities.