Finance Manager | Ashford | £65k

Jobsinkent; Ashford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave + Bank holidays

Free parking

Job summary

Jobsinkent is recruiting an experienced Finance Manager to lead the Accounts team, oversee day-to-day financial operations, and influence strategic financial direction. The role is based in Ashford, Kent with office attendance and some flexibility for appointments.

Responsibilities span strategic planning, budgeting, management accounts, VAT, year-end filings, and payroll for ~270 staff using Moorepay. You will mentor the team and drive financial control and performance.

Qualifications

• Senior finance/finance management experience required.
• Strong knowledge of management accounts, payroll, VAT, and statutory reporting.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage people.
• Hands-on, proactive, and able to meet strict deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the annual strategic plan for the Accounts department.
• Oversee accounts operations and maintain high professional standards.
• Prepare budgets and review with managers and directors.
• Produce management accounts and supporting spreadsheets.
• Submit VAT, Company Annual Returns and National Statistics returns.
• Lead Credit Control and oversee Purchase Ledger processes.
• Prepare monthly payroll using Moorepay for ~270 employees.
• Ensure statutory compliance and liaise with external auditors.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Payroll management

VAT

Statutory reporting

Budgeting

Management accounts

Moorepay

Tools

Moorepay

Job description

Finance Manager

We are exclusively recruiting for an experienced and highly organised Finance Manager to lead our client's Accounts team and ensure robust financial management and control across the business. This is a senior, hands‑on role with responsibility for overseeing day‑to‑day financial operations while contributing strategically to the company's long‑term objectives.

Location & Hours

Location: Ashford, Kent. This role is office based, but flexibility is available to attend appointments etc.

Hours: Monday‑Friday, 8:30am-5pm

Salary

£55,000-£65,000 DOE

Benefits

• 22 days annual leave + Bank holidays
• Free parking
• A pivotal role within a growing and well‑established business
• Opportunity to influence financial strategy and business performance
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the annual strategic plan for the Accounts department
• Oversee the efficient running of the accounts function, ensuring high professional standards
• Identify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation plans
• Analyse supplier and business relationships to reduce costs and improve profitability
• Review ad‑hoc contracts, renewals, insurance and associated financial data
• Stay up to date with industry practices and financial legislation
• Prepare budgets and review with Managers and Directors
• Produce and maintain management accounts and supporting spreadsheets
• Compile and submit VAT returns, Company Annual Returns and National Statistics returns
• Ensure all statutory and non‑statutory payments are accurate and submitted on time
• Maintain and control the Asset Register
• Submit monthly and quarterly financial returns to manufacturers
• Oversee Credit Control processes, review aged debt monthly and generate stop lists
• Step in to cover Credit Controller duties where required
• Oversee Purchase Ledger, ensuring reconciliations, allocations and payment runs are completed correctly and on time
• Authorise and code purchase invoices
• Generate and review trial balances and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare and post journals including accruals, depreciation, and adjustments
• Produce, review, and distribute management accounts to strict deadlines
• Attend monthly management meetings and support managers with financial queries
• Prepare and oversee monthly payroll for approximately 270 employees using Moorepay
• Manage PAYE, NI, student loans, pensions, and benefits in kind
• Post payroll journals to the nominal ledger and ensure all payments are accurate
• Prepare statutory audit information and liaise with external auditors
• Attend audit review meetings and present findings to Directors and Shareholders
• Ensure full compliance with company policies and statutory requirements
• Lead, motivate and develop the Accounts team
• Conduct performance reviews and support training and succession planning
• Manage recruitment, annual leave, and sickness to ensure adequate cover
• Ensure Health & Safety compliance across the department

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior finance or finance management role
• Strong knowledge of management accounts, payroll, VAT, and statutory reporting
• Confidence to manage people with excellent organisational and leadership skills
• Hands‑on, proactive, and able to meet strict deadlines
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work strategically