Finance Manager

Pickles Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

28 days holiday

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Pickles Recruitment is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the finance function within a growing SME manufacturing business located in Bury. This full-time, permanent role offers significant autonomy and responsibilities, including preparing management accounts and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and experience in finance, particularly within an SME environment.

Qualifications

• The candidate must be AAT qualified or part-qualified CIMA/ACCA.
• Experience producing monthly management accounts within an SME environment is essential.
• Strong understanding of VAT, PAYE and HMRC compliance is required.
• The candidate should have payroll administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Manage sales ledger, purchase ledger and credit control.
• Oversee payroll administration and ensure tax compliance.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

Skills

AAT qualified

Management accounts

VAT compliance

Cash flow management

Budgeting

Payroll administration

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Independence

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Office

Job description

Finance Manager - SME Manufacturing

Location: Bury

Salary: £35,000 - £50,000 depending on experience

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Arrangement: Fully site-based, Monday to Friday

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function within a successful and growing SME manufacturing business.

This is a varied, hands-on position offering significant autonomy and the opportunity to play a key role within the wider management team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the finance function, producing accurate financial information and supporting senior management with commercial insight and decision-making.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, taking ownership and getting involved across all areas of finance within an SME environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting
• Manage sales ledger, purchase ledger and credit control activities
• Oversee payroll administration, pensions and statutory deductions
• Ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and HMRC requirements
• Monitor cash flow and support financial forecasting
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and processes
• Support budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Provide accurate financial reporting and commercial insight to senior management
• Assist with manufacturing cost analysis and margin reporting
• Liaise with external auditors, accountants and professional advisors
• Maintain accurate HR records and associated administration
• Act as the internal point of contact for IT-related matters
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls
• Support the wider business with financial information and analysis as required

About You

We are looking for an organised, commercially aware and experienced finance professional who is confident taking ownership of a finance function within an SME environment.

Essential Requirements

• AAT qualified, part-qualified CIMA/ACCA, or qualified by experience
• Experience producing monthly management accounts within an SME environment
• Strong understanding of VAT, PAYE and HMRC compliance
• Experience with cash flow management and forecasting
• Budgeting and variance analysis experience
• Payroll administration experience, including pensions
• Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of a business
• Able to work independently and manage competing priorities

Desirable

• Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Experience with manufacturing cost analysis and margin reporting

Full training will be provided on Business Central, so previous experience with the system is desirable rather than essential.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £35,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
• Pension scheme
• 28 days' holiday including bank holidays
• Modern office and manufacturing facilities
• Free on-site parking
• Friendly and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing SME
• Long-term career development opportunities
• Varied role with significant autonomy and responsibility

Working Hours & Location

Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

This is a fully site-based position in Bury