Finance Manager

Four Squared Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Squared Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function within an established SME.

Reporting to the MD and working closely with the Finance Director, you will ensure accurate financial reporting, strong controls and full statutory compliance while providing commercial insight to support decision-making in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Monthly management accounts in SME environment.
• VAT, PAYE and HMRC knowledge.
• Forecasting, budgeting and cash flow management.
• Payroll and pensions administration.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the finance function and reporting.
• Prepare monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control and invoicing.
• Manage cash flow, forecasting and working capital.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Ensure VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE and other statutory compliance.
• Manage payroll processes and pension submissions.
• Liaise with external auditors and professional advisers.
• Support cost control and margin analysis in a manufacturing environment.

Skills

Excel

Autonomy

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Business Central

ERP system

Job description

An established and growing business is looking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager to take ownership of its day-to-day finance function.

Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Finance Director of the wider group, this is a broad and hands-on role offering genuine ownership and autonomy. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls and full statutory compliance, whilst providing commercial insight to support business decision-making.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SME Finance Manager, Financial Controller or qualified-by-experience accountant who enjoys being close to the operation and wants genuine responsibility for the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the company's finance function and financial reporting
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control and invoicing
• Manage cash flow, forecasting and working capital
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis processes
• Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE and other statutory requirements
• Manage payroll processes and pension submissions
• Maintain and improve internal financial controls and processes
• Provide financial analysis and commercial insight to senior management
• Support cost control, margin analysis and financial performance within a manufacturing environment
• Liaise with external auditors, accountants and professional advisers
• Maintain accurate HR records and act as a key point of contact for finance-related matters
• Support the business with systems, process and operational improvements

About You

We're looking for someone who can operate independently and take genuine ownership of a finance function.

You'll ideally have:

• Previous experience producing monthly management accounts within an SME environment
• Strong knowledge of VAT, PAYE and HMRC requirements
• Experience with cash flow management, forecasting and budgeting
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Experience using an ERP/accounting system — Microsoft Business Central experience would be advantageous
• Payroll experience, including pensions and statutory deductions
• Experience liaising with external auditors and professional advisers
• Manufacturing/production experience is highly desirable
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• The confidence and resilience to work autonomously in a hands-on environment

The Opportunity

This is a genuinely broad Finance Manager position, rather than a traditional accounts-focused role. You'll have significant ownership of the finance function and the opportunity to work closely with senior management and the wider group.

The successful candidate will be commercially minded, hands-on and comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where they can make a tangible impact.

Location: Manchester

Working pattern: Monday–Friday, fully office-based