Finance Manager

Four Squared; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Squared, based near Minworth in West Midlands, is seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to lead the finance function reporting to the CEO and the senior leadership team. The role combines financial leadership with commercial input, strong controls and advisory support across the business.

You will own month-end reporting, budgeting and forecasting, VAT and statutory compliance, and manage the finance team to deliver accurate reporting and clear financial insights to enable growth.

Qualifications

• Experience producing monthly management accounts and year-end accounts.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis skills.
• Experience working within an SME environment.
• Knowledge of UK accounting standards and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience preparing VAT returns.
• Experience managing or mentoring finance staff.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Exposure to external audits and regulatory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly and quarterly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Produce weekly sales, margin and performance reports.
• Manage month-end close, journals and reconciliations.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Provide financial insights to support decision-making and strategy.
• Present financial information to senior management and the CEO.
• Coordinate payroll and assist year-end audit processes.
• Support AML/compliance responsibilities and treasury activities.

Skills

Finance leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Month-end reporting

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

AML compliance

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or QBE

Tools

Sage accounting software

Job description

Join a Growing SME in a Broad, Hands-On Finance Manager Role

- Minworth, West Midlands
- Up to £60,000
- Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Office Based

We are recruiting on behalf of a successful and expanding business operating within a specialist, regulated sector. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Finance Manager to lead the finance function and work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team.

This is a varied and influential position, offering a blend of financial leadership, commercial support, team management and regulatory oversight. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the finance function whilst providing accurate financial reporting, commercial insight and robust financial controls to support future business growth.
Working closely with key stakeholders across the business, you'll enjoy a high level of autonomy and responsibility within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while supporting strategic decision-making across the business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing monthly and quarterly management accounts
• Producing weekly sales, margin and performance reports
• Month-end reporting, journals and reconciliations
• Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
• Producing variance analysis and financial insights to support decision-making
• Presenting financial information and recommendations to senior management
• Monitoring business performance and identifying risks, trends and opportunities
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns
• Ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory requirements
• Maintaining strong financial controls and audit-ready records
• Coordinating payroll processes
• Managing year-end accounts and supporting the annual audit process
• Acting as the key contact for external auditors and advisers
• Completing regulatory reporting requirements and ensuring key deadlines are met
• Supporting treasury activities, including financial hedging in line with company policy
• Leading and developing members of the finance team
• Driving continuous improvements across financial processes and controls
• Supporting the company's AML and compliance framework, including responsibilities associated with the MLRO function

The Culture & Environment

This is very much a business where everyone pulls together.

You'll be joining a close-knit, supportive team that adopts an "all hands on deck" approach. Whilst you'll be leading the finance function, the business is looking for someone who is happy to remain hands-on and get involved wherever needed.

The environment is fast-paced, varied and constantly evolving, making it ideal for someone who enjoys the breadth and exposure that comes with an SME role. From management accounts and business partnering through to supporting the team with transactional tasks during busy periods, no two days are the same.

They're looking for a Finance Manager who leads by example, enjoys being part of a collaborative team and understands that sometimes the best leaders are the ones willing to roll up their sleeves and help out when required.

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded finance professional who combines strong technical ability with a practical, hands-on approach.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or similar senior finance role
• Experience producing monthly management accounts and year-end accounts
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis skills
• Experience working within an SME environment
• Knowledge of UK accounting standards and statutory reporting requirements
• Experience preparing VAT returns
• Previous experience managing or mentoring finance staff
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience using Sage or similar accounting software
• Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work effectively to strict reporting deadlines
• Understanding of AML and regulatory compliance requirements

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or
• Qualified by Experience (QBE)

Desirable Experience

• Previous exposure to AML compliance, regulated environments or MLRO responsibilities
• Experience improving financial processes and controls
• Experience within a product-led, wholesale, distribution, trading or manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of Corporation Tax requirements
• Experience managing external audits
• Exposure to treasury management and financial hedging activities
• Experience assessing and managing foreign exchange or commodity-related financial risks

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware with a proactive mindset
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Confident communicator able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance audiences
• Strong leadership skills with a supportive management style
• Professional, trustworthy and highly confidential
• Comfortable balancing strategic responsibilities with hands-on delivery

What's on Offer?

- Salary up to £60,000
- Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm office-based role
- Direct exposure to the CEO and senior leadership team
- Broad and influential position with genuine autonomy
- Supportive and collaborative working culture
- Opportunity to make a tangible impact within a growing business
- Varied role combining strategic, commercial and operational responsibilities
- Long-term career development opportunities