Finance Manager

Copia Global; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Collaborative environment

Training & development

Job summary

Unknown company in Manchester is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to own and run the finance function. You will report to the General Manager and ensure accurate reporting, strong controls, and effective cash management in a hands-on SME environment.

The role involves month-end, balance sheet ownership, and collaboration with operational teams to drive commercial success. AAT/CIMA/ACCA progression or equivalent experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• AAT or CIMA/ACCA in progress or qualified by experience.
• Strong accounting and financial reporting skills.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis abilities.
• Experience with VAT and CIS handling and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close and produce reconciled group trial balance.
• Maintain balance sheet controls including fixed assets and accruals.
• Oversee sales ledger, credit control, and cash collection.
• Process purchase invoices and maintain PO system.
• Prepare monthly VAT/CIS returns and bank reconciliations.
• Support commercial teams with robust financial insights.

Skills

AAT

CIMA/ACCA

Excel

VAT/CIS knowledge

Education

AAT qualification or CIMA/ACCA in progress

Tools

Sage 50

Job description

A well-established engineering business operating within the construction and industrial sectors is looking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager to take ownership of its finance function in Manchester. This is a varied, hands‑on role that will see you working closely with the General Manager, ensuring the smooth running of the company's financial operations while supporting the wider business with accurate reporting, strong financial controls and effective cash management. This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys working within an SME environment where they can make a genuine impact and take ownership of the finance function.

The Role

• Lead the month-end process, producing a fully reconciled trial balance for the Group finance team.
• Maintain full control of the balance sheet, including fixed assets, accruals and prepayments.
• Manage the sales ledger, raising invoices and overseeing credit control to maximise cash collection.
• Process purchase invoices and maintain the purchase order system.
• Prepare monthly VAT and CIS returns.
• Reconcile bank accounts and manage daily cash reporting.
• Maintain the nominal ledger, posting journals and reconciling control accounts.
• Review and approve company credit card expenditure.
• Manage technician travel and accommodation expenditure in line with budgets.
• Ensure robust financial controls are maintained and continually improved.
• Work closely with operational colleagues to support the commercial success of the business.

About You

• AAT qualified or studying towards CIMA/ACCA (or equivalent), although qualified by experience candidates will also be considered.
• At least four years' experience within an accounting or finance role.
• Previous experience producing management information and month-end accounts.
• Experience with Sage 50 or similar accounting software is desirable.
• Strong understanding of VAT, CIS and general accounting principles.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Confident communicator who enjoys building relationships across the business.
• Able to manage your own workload and work independently.
• Experience within engineering, construction, manufacturing or another project-led environment would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Company pension.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunity to take ownership of the finance function within a growing business.
• A varied role with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
• Ongoing training and career development.

If you're an experienced Finance Manager or Senior Accounts professional looking for a role where you can make a real contribution to a successful and growing engineering business, we'd love to hear from you.