Finance Manager

Sharp Consultancy; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Consultancy is seeking a Finance Manager to lead a broad finance function within a manufacturing setting in the UK. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will own monthly and annual accounts, drive robust controls, and provide commercial insight across operations.

The role oversees a small team and partners with senior stakeholders to shape financial strategy and performance. The ideal candidate is fully qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with strong experience in management accounting, budgeting,

Qualifications

• Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant.
• Experience leading a finance function with responsibility for reporting and controls.
• Strong stakeholder management and commercial partnering abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly and annual management accounts process.
• Manage month-end close, journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Produce detailed financial analysis and management information.
• Provide variance analysis and commercial insights for decisions.
• Develop and coach the finance team.
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance.
• Partner with operational and senior management to support profitability.

Skills

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Variance analysis

Commercial awareness

Cash flow management

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial controls

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a successful and growing manufacturing business as a Finance Manager, taking ownership of a broad finance function while playing a key role in supporting the continued growth and success of the organisation.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will lead the day-to-day finance operations, ensuring the delivery of accurate financial reporting, robust controls, and meaningful commercial insight. You will manage and develop a small finance team while acting as a key business partner to operational stakeholders across the manufacturing function.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the preparation and delivery of monthly and annual management accounts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to reporting deadlines

• Managing the month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations

• Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management activities to support business planning and decision-making

• Producing detailed financial analysis and management information to support operational and strategic objectives

• Providing insightful variance analysis, identifying key drivers of performance and areas for improvement

• Managing and developing members of the finance team, supporting both their professional and personal development

• Ensuring robust financial controls, processes, and compliance procedures are maintained across the business

• Partnering with operational and senior management teams to provide commercial support and challenge where required

• Supporting inventory, production costings, and margin analysis to drive profitability and operational efficiency

• Assisting with statutory accounts preparation and liaising with external auditors and professional advisors

• Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance reporting capabilities and increase efficiencies within the finance function

• Supporting strategic projects and carrying out ad hoc financial analysis as required

This role offers excellent scope for progression and provides the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future direction of the finance function. You will gain extensive exposure to senior stakeholders across the business and have the opportunity to influence operational and commercial decision-making.

The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified ACA, ACCA, or CIMA accountant, although exceptional finalists may also be considered. You will have previous experience in a Finance Manager, Management Accountant, Senior Management Accountant, or similar position, with responsibility for overseeing core finance processes and reporting.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction.