Finance Manager - Freight Forwarding

EA First Compass House; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Freight Forwarding company in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a Finance Manager for a 6-month fixed term contract. The ideal candidate will oversee financial reporting, manage VAT compliance, and support budgeting and forecasting. Required qualifications include being a qualified accountant with freight forwarding industry experience. This role offers a salary of circa £65,000 per annum with 3 days on-site work and 2 days from home.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience in freight forwarding industry.
• Significant experience in a senior finance role ideally within logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Oversee the month-end close process.
• Own VAT returns and ensure full compliance.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Manage the outsourced payroll bureau.

Skills

Freight forwarding industry experience

Senior finance role experience

Budgeting and forecasting

Team management

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Our client is a leading Freight Forwarding business based in Southend-on-Sea is seeking hand on Finance Manager for fixed term contract of at least 6 months.

Our client is a leading Freight Forwarding business based in Southend-on-Sea who has recently seen a high level of investment to continue excellent relationships with their carriers and partners.

As Finance Manager - Freight Forwarding during your minimum 6 month contract reporting to the Managing Director you will:

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
• Oversee the month-end close process, including review and posting of journals (prepayments, accruals, fixed assets)
• Own VAT returns and ensure full compliance with HMRC and other statutory obligations, including P11D and payroll filings
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Oversee the outsourced payroll bureau, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all payroll transactions.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 3 assistant accountants

The most desirable applicant for Finance Manager - Freight Forwarding will:

• Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Have demonstrable freight forwarding industry experience
• Significant experience in a senior finance role, again ideally within logistics or freight forwarding
• Be able to be on site in Southend-on-Sea (3 days per week)

Circa £65,000 per annum

Minimum 6 month contract

2 days working from home

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this fixed term contract vacancy.