Finance Manager | SME Business

Goodman Masson; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Opportunity to build and lead the finance function with direct access to senior leadership

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is looking for a Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance cycle and develop a scalable finance function. This role requires strong expertise in bookkeeping, payroll, and VAT reporting, along with advanced Excel skills and knowledge of UK compliance. The position offers a competitive salary of £70,000 – £75,000, with the opportunity to work in a hybrid model. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and has experience in the media or marketing industries.

Qualifications

• Strong experience across bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, P&L reporting and audit prep.
• Solid understanding of UK compliance requirements (VAT, PAYE, pensions, audit, statutory accounts).
• Experience within media, marketing or agency environments.

Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management accounts including P&L and cash-flow forecasts.
• Lead year-end audit preparation and liaise with external auditors.
• Manage end-to-end finance operations, including bookkeeping and supplier payments.
• Drive process improvements and support automation initiatives.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Payroll

VAT reporting

P&L reporting

Audit preparation

Xero knowledge

Advanced Excel skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

Base pay range

Finance Manager | Central London | Media & Marketing | £70,000 – £75,000 + package | Hybrid (3 days office / 2 days home)

The Role

This position will suit someone who enjoys full ownership and wants to build structure, process and control within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You’ll be responsible for the full finance cycle, taking previously outsourced tasks in-house, partnering closely with senior leadership and laying the foundations for a scalable function. As the business expands, there will be scope to grow and lead a finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, cash-flow forecasts and commentary
• Lead year-end audit preparation and liaise with external auditors and accountants
• Lead on budgeting, forecasting and commercial finance
• Manage end-to-end finance operations: bookkeeping, AP/AR, reconciliations, supplier payments and cash management
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns
• Create supporting schedules for statutory accounts and tax filings
• Drive process improvements, strengthen financial controls and support automation initiatives

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience across bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, P&L reporting and audit prep
• Strong Xero knowledge and advanced Excel skills
• Solid understanding of UK compliance requirements (VAT, PAYE, pensions, audit, statutory accounts)
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate financial information into actionable insight
• Experience within media, marketing or agency environments
• Exposure to scaling or high-growth businesses
• Experience implementing systems or automation

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Opportunity to build, shape and eventually lead the finance function with direct access to senior leadership

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Accounting/Auditing

Industries

• Advertising Services
• Market Research
• Marketing Services