Finance Manager

Michael Page; St Helens; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible start and finish times

Direct exposure to senior leadership

Job summary

Michael Page (UK) is representing an SME in Saint Helens seeking an experienced Finance Manager who can own a broad financial remit and influence commercial decisions.

You will lead management accounting, month-end, cash flow forecasting, VAT and liaise with external accountants, while partnering with senior stakeholders and shaping finance processes.

This permanent, full-time position offers a chance to contribute at a strategic level and directly support the business's growth trajectory.

Qualifications

• Finance Manager or similar with SME experience.
• Strong management accounting and month-end experience.
• Excellent cash flow management and reconciliations.
• Ability to work independently with senior stakeholders.
• Accounting qualifications welcome but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and supporting reports.
• Handle month-end journals, accruals, prepayments and depreciation.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and fixed asset register.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Provide financial insight to senior management.
• Produce and maintain cash flow forecasts.
• Monitor receipts, payments and cash balances.
• Oversee purchase and sales ledgers, supplier and customer accounts.
• Coordinate VAT returns and liaise with external accountants.
• Support annual accounts and audit requirements.
• Review and improve financial processes and controls.

Skills

Management accounting

Month-end processes

Cash flow management

Financial reporting

Stakeholder liaison

Job description

• Working with the Managing Director
• Growing owner-managed business!

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys operating in a broad, varied role where they can genuinely influence the business. The position would particularly suit someone currently working within an SME environment who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and taking responsibility for day-to-day financial operations, reporting and commercial support.

About Our Client

Job Description

The key responsibilities of the Finance Manager include:

• Preparation of monthly management accounts and supporting financial reports.
• Month-end processes including journals, accruals, prepayments and depreciation.
• Balance sheet reconciliations and maintenance of the fixed asset register.
• Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Providing financial insight and support to senior management.
• Producing and maintaining cash flow forecasts.
• Monitoring receipts, payments and cash balances.
• Bank reconciliations and daily cash management.
• Supporting commercial decision-making through effective cash flow planning.
• Oversight of purchase ledger and supplier accounts.
• Management of supplier payments and statement reconciliations.
• Review and reconciliation of company credit card expenditure.
• Oversight of sales ledger activities, customer accounts and debt management.
• Preparation and submission of VAT returns.
• Liaising with external accountants and payroll providers.
• Supporting annual accounts and audit requirements.
• Reviewing and improving financial processes and controls.

The Successful Applicant

To be considered for the Finance Manager position, ideally you will:

• Have previous experience in a Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant or similar position.
• Be comfortable managing a broad finance remit within an SME environment.
• Have strong management accounting and month-end experience.
• Possess excellent cash flow management and reconciliation skills.
• Be able to work independently and confidently partner with senior stakeholders.
• Have a practical, hands‑on approach and enjoy being involved in all aspects of the finance function.
• Accounting qualifications are welcome but not essential. Applications are encouraged from both qualified and qualified-by-experience finance professionals.

What's on Offer

• Permanent Finance Manager position in Saint Helens.
• Salary of £36,000 to £42,000, dependent on the level of experience.
• Flexible start and finish times
• Opportunity to shape and develop the finance function.
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.

Please note: The preference is for a full‑time appointment; however, our client recognises that outstanding finance professionals may require greater flexibility. Reduced hours will therefore be considered for candidates who can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience.

People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.