Finance Manager

Forge Talent; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Benefits package

Job summary

Forge Talent is partnering with a private equity-backed professional services business in Manchester to recruit a Finance Manager. You will own the day-to-day finance function, delivering robust controls and timely reporting to support strategic decisions.

Reporting to the Finance Director with exposure to the CFO, you will lead month-end close, payroll, payroll, and governance while partnering with senior leaders to drive continuous improvement in a fast‑growing environment.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Prev. Finance Manager or Senior Management Accountant experience.
• Strong technical accounting with month-end reporting experience.
• Experience in a well-controlled finance environment.
• Ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own the month-end close process with timely, accurate reporting.
• Produce monthly management accounts with commentary for leadership.
• Review and reconcile balance sheet accounts and support group reporting.
• Maintain and enhance financial controls, policies and governance.
• Manage monthly payroll and supplier payments processes.

Skills

Month-end reporting

Stakeholder management

Financial controls

Hands-on finance

Education

ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualification

Job description

Manchester City Centre or South Manchester based

Hybrid

Up to £60,000 + Benefits

Exclusive Opportunity with Forge Talent

Forge Talent are partnering exclusively with a growing, private equity-backed professional services business to recruit a Finance Manager. With ambitious growth plans, this is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established organisation where you'll play a key role in supporting the next stage of its journey.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, with regular exposure to the CFO, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and continuous process improvements across the business.

The Role

This is a hands‑on Finance Manager position that offers real autonomy and responsibility. You'll lead the monthly reporting cycle, oversee core financial operations and work closely with senior stakeholders to support commercial decision‑making within a fast-paced, growth‑focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the month‑end close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Produce monthly management accounts, commentary and performance analysis for senior leadership.
• Review and reconcile balance sheet accounts, supporting group reporting where required.
• Maintain and enhance financial controls, policies and governance across the finance function.
• Manage the monthly payroll process and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Oversee supplier payments, payment approvals and cash management activities.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and wider financial planning processes.
• Partner with operational and senior leadership teams, providing meaningful financial insight.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and reporting efficiencies.
• Assist with strategic finance initiatives and projects as the business continues to expand.

About You

We're looking for an ambitious and technically capable finance professional who enjoys taking ownership and making an impact.

You’ll ideally have:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Previous experience as a Finance Manager or Senior Management Accountant.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with excellent month‑end reporting experience.
• Experience operating within a well‑controlled finance environment.
• The confidence to build relationships and influence stakeholders across the business.
• A proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement.
• A willingness to remain hands‑on while contributing to wider commercial objectives.

Why Apply?

• Join an ambitious, PE‑backed organisation with exciting growth plans.
• Genuine ownership of the finance function and exposure to senior leadership.
• Opportunity to influence processes and support strategic decision‑making.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.