Finance Manager: Own the Finance Function & Lead a Small Team

Cherry Professional - Relationship Led Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Cherry Professional is assisting a growing UK SME in Greater Manchester to recruit a Finance Manager. This hands-on role leads the day-to-day finance function, reports to senior leadership, and supports future growth with strong financial controls and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will oversee the balance sheet, manage a small team, ensure accurate reporting, and contribute to commercial decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA preferred; QBE considered.
• Hands-on finance role within an SME environment.
• Strong technical accounting skills, especially balance sheet ownership.
• Experience with VAT and CIS returns and group reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close and deliver a fully reconciled trial balance for group reporting.
• Own the balance sheet including accruals, prepayments and fixed assets.
• Oversee revenue, billing and receivables, ensuring cash flow controls.
• Prepare and submit VAT and CIS returns on time and accurately.
• Maintain and enhance financial controls in line with group policies.
• Partner with operational teams to monitor costs and profitability.
• Manage, coach and develop the Finance Administrator.
• Act as local finance lead supporting audits and group reporting.

Skills

CIMA/ACCA/ACA

SME experience

Stakeholder management

Balance sheet ownership

VAT/CIS returns

Month-end close

Team leadership

Education

CIMA/ACCA/ACA professional qualification

Job description

Cherry Professional is assisting a growing UK SME in Greater Manchester to recruit a Finance Manager. This hands-on role leads the day-to-day finance function, reports to senior leadership, and supports future growth with strong financial controls and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will oversee the balance sheet, manage a small team, ensure accurate reporting, and contribute to commercial decision-making in a dynamic environment.