Finance Manager

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

Job summary

Michael Page is hiring a hands-on Finance Manager in Saint Helens to own the finance function and partner with the Managing Director. You will manage day-to-day financial operations across accounting, reporting, and commercial support in a growing SME environment.

The role covers month-end, budgeting, cash flow management, and financial planning, with direct exposure to senior leadership. Flexible start times and a path to shape the finance function are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a finance function in an SME environment.
• Strong month-end and reporting discipline.
• Proven cash flow management and forecasting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and supporting financial reports.
• Run month-end processes including 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 and support strategic decisions.
• Produce and maintain cash flow forecasts and monitor cash balances.
• Oversee purchase and sales ledgers, supplier payments and statements.
• Support VAT returns and liaise with external accountants and payroll providers.
• Assist with annual accounts and audits; improve financial processes and controls.

Skills

Management accounting

Month-end close

Cash flow management

Financial reporting

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Accounting qualifications desirable

Job description

A successful and growing SME is seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function and work closely alongside the Managing Director in St. Helens. The business has experienced steady growth and supplies a range of well-known customers across retail, e-commerce and trade sectors.

Client Details

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.

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.

Profile

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.

Job 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.