Finance Manager

Michael Page (UK); Plymouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £45k–£55k

Clear progression path

Open-plan office

CEO interaction

Job summary

Michael Page UK partners with a rapidly growing independent retailer in Plymouth to recruit a Finance Manager who will own the in‑house finance function and drive financial performance.

You will manage day‑to‑day accounting, reporting, VAT and cash flow, while developing a clear progression path toward Financial Controller and Finance Director. This is a hands‑on leadership role in a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in accounting and finance within retai­l or similar industries.
• ACCA or CIMA or equivalent.
• Self-starter with initiative and business embedding ability.
• Proficiency in Xero/financial software and systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to financial tasks.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Accounting/Finance experience

Analytical skills

Financial planning/analysis

Leadership/partnership

Excel

Education

ACCA

CIMA

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Join a rapidly growing independent e-commerce business
• A role with clear progression to senior leadership!

About Our Client

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.

Job 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.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Finance Manager should have:

• 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.

What's on 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.