Finance Manager

ACCA Careers; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Open-plan office

Collaborative work environment

Clear progression pathway

Job summary

ACCA Careers is recruiting a Finance Manager in Plymouth to oversee the daily financial operations and support strategic decisions. You will manage budgets, analyse financial data, and provide commercial insight to leadership.

Key responsibilities include leading the in-house finance function, VAT and cash flow management, and driving profitability with external advisers. A clear career path to senior finance roles is offered.

Qualifications

• ACCA/CIMA qualification or equivalent essential.
• Strong financial analysis skills and ability to interpret data.
• Excellent communication skills with non-finance stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the in-house finance function, overseeing day-to-day accounting, reporting, VAT, cash flow, and controls.
• Oversee invoicing, purchasing, VAT returns, and HMRC compliance with robust processes.
• Prepare monthly management accounts including P&L, margin analysis, aged debtors/creditors, and cash flow.

Skills

ACCA/CIMA qualification

Financial analysis

Communication with non-finance

Attention to detail

Education

ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

As a Finance Manager in the retail industry, based in Plymouth, you will oversee the daily financial operations to ensure smooth and efficient processes. Your role will be key in managing budgets, analysing financial data, and supporting the business in making sound financial decisions.

Client Details

We are delighted to be partnering with this organically and rapidly growing retail business in Plymouth. This business is a leading independent retailer and has a diverse product offering, catering to all audiences. Increasing presence in the UK and multi-nationally, this business offers a brilliant work environment for professional development and progression to senior leadership, with the opportunity to have total ownership over the finance function.

Description

• Take full ownership of the in‑house finance function, managing day‑to‑day accounting, reporting, VAT, cash flow, and financial controls across a 30‑person business.
• Oversee invoicing, purchasing, margin scheme accounting, VAT returns, and HMRC compliance, maintaining robust financial processes and documentation.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L reporting, sales and margin analysis, aged debtors/creditors, and cash flow reporting.
• Provide commercial insight to management by identifying margin leakage, cost inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve profitability and support growth.
• Drive financial optimisation through analysis of pricing, margins, operating costs, and tax efficiency opportunities in collaboration with external advisors.
• Manage cash flow and payment processes, including supplier payment runs, liquidity monitoring, payment tracking, and finance administration controls.
• Act as a trusted business partner to leadership by leading monthly financial reviews, presenting actionable recommendations, and supporting a clear progression path towards Financial Controller and Finance Director.
• Lead and optimise the Xero accounting system, ensuring accurate transaction coding, reconciliations, financial records, and audit‑ready compliance.

Profile

• Strong experience in accounting and finance within the retail industry, or similar.
• A relevant accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• A self‑starter, someone who can use initiative, embed into a business and have a confident presence
• Proficiency in XERO/financial software and systems.
• Strong user of Microsoft Excel
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to financial tasks.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑finance stakeholders.

Job Offer

• Salary between £45,000 and £55,000, dependent on the level of experience.
• Clear progression pathway from Finance Manager - Financial Controller - Finance Director
• Collaborative and relaxed work environment
• Open‑plan office environment
• Working closely with the CEO and C‑Suite - adding value from day one.