Finance Manager: Lead Small Accounts Team | Southend

Westwood Recruitment; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Recruitment in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a Finance Manager to own the day-to-day finance function and lead a small accounts team in a hands-on, practical role.

You will produce monthly management accounts, manage cash flow and payroll, submit VAT/HMRC returns, oversee invoicing and supplier payments, and work with external accountants on year-end and audits to drive strong financial controls and insight.

Qualifications

• AAT Level 3 or above (or equivalent accounting qualification).
• At least 2 years’ experience in a finance/accounts role.
• Experience producing management accounts.
• Experience using Xero or similar accounting software.
• Strong Excel skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop a small accounts team.
• Produce monthly management accounts and explain findings to senior management.
• Maintain ledgers and perform reconciliations (bank, credit card, balance sheet, WIP, accruals).
• Manage cash flow, payment runs and authorising payments.
• Process monthly payroll, including commissions, deductions, pensions and staff loans.
• Prepare and submit VAT and other HMRC returns.
• Oversee invoicing, expenses and supplier payments.
• Work with external accountants on year-end and audit requirements.
• Review supplier contracts and identify cost-control opportunities.

Skills

AAT Level 3

Finance experience

Management accounts

Reconciliations

VAT & payroll

Xero

Excel

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Education

AAT Level 3 or above

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Westwood Recruitment in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a Finance Manager to own the day-to-day finance function and lead a small accounts team in a hands-on, practical role.

You will produce monthly management accounts, manage cash flow and payroll, submit VAT/HMRC returns, oversee invoicing and supplier payments, and work with external accountants on year-end and audits to drive strong financial controls and insight.