Finance Manager

Axon Moore; Penwortham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Axon Moore are partnering with an established SME based in Preston to recruit a new Finance Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for a first or second time mover and take on a broad/varied role.

The successful candidate will work closely with a collaborative Finance Director, gaining exposure across commercial and technical areas and driving positive change within the business.

Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management information reports and oversee month-end close.
• Lead and manage the Finance Team with guidance and performance oversight.
• Own delivery and accuracy of accounting and financial reporting activities.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns on relevant deadlines.
• Oversee quarterly stocktakes and inventory reporting.
• Oversee payroll accounting including EPS and PAYE reconciliations; Sage 50 Payroll desirable.
• Lead the annual statutory audit and liaise with external auditors.
• Conduct margin analysis with commercial commentary for decisions.
• Monitor data integrity across Oracle, Sage 200 and Sage Payroll systems.
• Manage monthly and year-end GL close and reconciliations between accounts and statements.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, challenge key stakeholders on assumptions and ROI.
• Review Balance Sheet reconciliations and ensure balances are supported.
• Ensure adherence to financial controls and policies.
• Drive IT and financial systems improvements for reporting and efficiency.
• Develop a strong working relationship with the Finance Director and provide proactive support.

Job description

Axon Moore are partnering with an established SME based in Preston to recruit a new Finance Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for a first or second time mover and take on a broad/varied role. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to drive positive change, add genuine value and shape the role around their own strengths and experience, gaining significant exposure across the wider business.

Working closely with a highly supportive and collaborative Finance Director, the Finance Manager will benefit from excellent guidance, development and the opportunity to gain exposure across a broad range of commercial and technical areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate monthly and ad hoc management information reports, while overseeing the month-end close process.
• Lead and manage the Finance Team, providing guidance, support, and performance oversight.
• Take overall accountability for the delivery and accuracy of accounting and financial reporting activities.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and deadlines.
• Oversee and manage quarterly stocktake procedures, ensuring accurate inventory reporting and reconciliation.
• Manage payroll accounting, including EPS and PAYE reconciliations. Knowledge of Sage 50 Payroll is desirable.
• Lead and coordinate the annual statutory audit process, acting as the key point of contact for external auditors.
• Conduct margin analysis and reporting, providing insightful commercial commentary to support business decision-making.
• Monitor the relevance, integrity, and accuracy of financial information across key systems, including Oracle, Sage 200, and Sage Payroll.
• Manage the monthly and year-end General Ledger close process, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial data. Maintain ownership of reconciliations between the annual accounts and audited financial statements.
• Support and drive the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, constructively challenging key stakeholders on assumptions, business cases, and return on investment (ROI).
• Review and oversee Balance Sheet reconciliations, ensuring balances are accurate, complete, and appropriately supported.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and internal controls across the business.
• Drive the development and enhancement of IT and financial systems infrastructure to improve reporting capabilities, efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Develop a strong working relationship with, and provide proactive support to, the Finance Director.

This represents a fantastic opportunity for an individual with a strong practice background who is ready to make their first move into industry. The role offers the chance to develop broad commercial exposure, work closely with an experienced Finance Director and build a long-term career within a growing and ambitious business.