Finance Manager

Trial Balance; Wadebridge; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Trial Balance Consulting is partnering with a Cornwall business in Wadebridge to recruit a Finance Manager. You will take ownership of day-to-day financial operations within a supportive, collaborative team, reporting to senior leadership.

Working closely with the Head of Finance, you’ll manage accounts payable/receivable, prepare management accounts with KPIs, forecast and budget, perform balance sheet reconciliations, VAT/HMRC submissions, payroll, and year-end processes.

Qualifications

• Experience with SME finance environments is preferred.
• AAT qualification or equivalent is required.
• Strong Excel and IT skills with ability to liaise across departments.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the senior finance lead in the Head of Finance’s absence
• Overseeing and supporting the Finance Officer in day-to-day operations
• Preparing management accounts with insightful commentary and KPIs
• Producing forecasts and managing budgets
• Performing balance sheet reconciliations, including prepayments and accruals
• Managing accounts payable and receivable functions
• Running monthly supplier payment cycles
• Monitoring cashflow and income streams
• Preparing VAT returns and managing HMRC submissions
• Overseeing payroll preparation each month
• Assisting in the preparation of annual budgets
• Supporting the year-end process and liaising with external accountants

Skills

End-to-end accounting

Excel

Stakeholder communication

Education

AAT qualification

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Finance Manager – Wadebridge – Full Time – Permanent – £40kper annum

Trial Balance Consulting is delighted to be partnering once again with one of Cornwall’s quietly impressive success stories - a steadily growing, well-respected business based in the heart of Wadebridge. This is a fantastic opportunity for a capable finance professional to take on a varied and rewarding role at the heart of a collaborative and supportive team.

Our client is seeking a Finance Manager who can take ownership of the day-to-day financial operations and play a key role in maintaining the financial wellbeing of the business. This full-time, permanent role is based at their modern HQ, complete with excellent facilities and a big focus on employee wellbeing.

Working closely with the Head of Finance and senior leadership team, you’ll take responsibility for a wide range of financial duties, including:

• Acting as the senior finance lead in the Head of Finance’s absence
• Overseeing and supporting the Finance Officer in day-to-day operations
• Preparing management accounts with insightful commentary and KPIs
• Producing forecasts and managing budgets
• Performing balance sheet reconciliations, including prepayments and accruals
• Managing accounts payable and receivable functions
• Running monthly supplier payment cycles
• Monitoring cashflow and income streams
• Preparing VAT returns and managing HMRC submissions
• Overseeing payroll preparation each month
• Assisting in the preparation of annual budgets
• Supporting the year-end process and liaising with external accountants

This is a hands-on role within a business that values consistency, reliability, and clear communication. While the company continues to grow steadily, this role is about making a real contribution in the here and now — rather than fast-tracking to the next level.

We’re looking for an experienced Finance Manager, Management Accountant, or a strong Assistant Accountant ready to step into a broader role. You’ll bring solid end to end accounting experience, ideally gained within an SME environment, and preferably (though not essential) within the hospitality sector. You’ll be AAT qualified as a minimum, or have equivalent vocational experience that shows a deep understanding of financial operations. Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel and digital accounting tools, will be essential, along with the confidence to liaise across departments and support the development of a capable Finance Officer. Most importantly, you’ll be reliable, proactive, and able to thrive in a role where your input genuinely makes a difference.