Finance Manager

Sowena Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct exposure to MD

Modern finance systems

AI and automation investments

Career progression

Job summary

Sowena Group in North Manchester is seeking a Finance Manager to own the finance function from day one. The role combines strategic oversight with day-to-day transactional work, reporting to the Managing Director and collaborating with the SLT.

The successful candidate will lead a scaled, tech-enabled finance function using Xero, Dext and Capital on Tap, building a team as the business grows and improving controls, reporting and commercial decision-making.

Qualifications

• Qualified, part-qualified or QBE with hands-on finance experience.
• Experience in transactional finance and management accounting.
• Strong cash flow, P&L and financial reporting skills.
• Independent, able to take full ownership of a finance function.
• Advanced Excel and familiarity with Xero/Dext.
• Commercial mindset with ability to turn data into insight.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the finance function and ensure timely financial information.
• Oversee end-to-end accounts payable and receivable processes.
• Manage monthly payment runs, invoicing, supplier and statement reconciliations.
• Oversee credit control and collection of overdue debt.
• Maintain bookkeeping in Xero and Dext and reconcile bank activity.
• Produce regular financial reports for MD and senior leadership.
• Establish controls including PO and approval processes; support budget monitoring.
• Collaborate with external accountants for VAT, management accounts and payroll.
• Drive process improvements through automation and better reporting.

Skills

Hands-on finance

Analytical mindset

Excel proficiency

Commercial awareness

Education

Finance qualification or QBE

Tools

Xero

Dext

Capital on Tap

Job description

Location: North Manchester (Fully office based with flexibility when required)

Sowena Group are proud to be exclusively partnered with a fast-growing facilities management business to appoint a Finance Manager as they enter an exciting phase of growth and move towards operating at a larger scale.

This is a pivotal hire for the business, offering the successful candidate full ownership of the finance function from day one, with a clear opportunity to build and develop the team as the business continues to grow. Reporting directly into the Managing Director and working closely with the senior leadership team, you'll have genuine influence over how the finance function develops.

The role is hands‑on, combining ownership of the finance function with some day‑to‑day transactional responsibilities initially. The business has invested heavily in technology, automation and AI across its operations, with a modern finance systems stack including Xero, Dext and Capital on Tap. This provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to focus increasingly on controls, reporting, analysis and commercial decision‑making as the function develops.

• Take full ownership of the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial information across the business.
• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Oversee monthly payment runs, invoice processing, supplier reconciliations and statement reconciliations.
• Manage customer statements, credit control and the collection of overdue debt.
• Take overall responsibility for ensuring all revenue‑related invoices are raised accurately and on time.
• Maintain and oversee the day‑to‑day bookkeeping function within Xero and Dext.
• Reconcile bank transactions, payments and Capital on Tap activity.
• Own the finance systems stack, ensuring data accuracy, system upkeep, integrations and effective use of automation.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts, incorporating revenue and purchase order forecasts.
• Provide analysis of revenue and margins across different divisions, job types and revenue streams.
• Analyse the P&L and identify financial risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Produce weekly and monthly internal finance reports for the Managing Director and senior leadership team.
• Establish and maintain appropriate financial controls, including purchase order, commitment and approval processes.
• Support budget setting and ongoing budget monitoring.
• Work closely with external accountants to ensure accurate and timely VAT, management accounts and payroll processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting through automation and technology.
• Support the wider leadership team with ad hoc financial analysis and decision‑making.
• As the business continues to scale, play a key role in developing the finance function and building the team beneath you.

About You

• Qualified, part‑qualified or QBE with strong experience within a hands‑on finance environment.
• Experience across both transactional finance and management accounting responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of cash flow, P&L and financial reporting.
• Comfortable working independently and taking full ownership of a finance function.
• Strong Excel and finance systems experience, ideally with exposure to Xero and/or Dext.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to analyse financial information and translate it into meaningful insight.
• Process‑driven with an interest in automation, systems and improving the way finance operates.
• Comfortable working in a growing business where the role and responsibilities will evolve.
• Someone who is happy to be hands‑on initially, whilst also having the vision to build and develop a finance function for the future.

What's on

• OfferSalary of £45,000.
• Full ownership of the finance function.
• Direct exposure to the Managing Director and senior leadership team.
• Genuine opportunity to build and develop the finance team as the business scales.
• Modern finance systems and investment in AI and automation.
• Significant scope for the role to develop alongside the growth of the business.