Finance Manager – Strategic Forecasting & Controls

Reed Talent Solutions; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The West Midlands Growth Company is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the finance team, deliver accurate reporting and forecasting, and strengthen financial controls across the organisation. Reporting to the Senior Finance & Procurement Manager, you will drive governance and risk management while enabling strategic decision-making.

You will oversee management accounts, budgeting, payroll and audit activity, ensuring efficient financial systems and stakeholder engagement to support

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance management role with reporting, forecasting and financial controls.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets and financial analysis.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of payroll, VAT, audit and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and proficiency in financial systems and Excel.
• A proactive and collaborative approach.
• ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in public sector, grant-funded or economic development environments.
• Knowledge of financial risk management and fraud controls.
• Experience improving financial processes and systems.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Leading Financial Reporting and Forecasting.
• Providing accurate, timely financial information and insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Driving Effective Financial Controls and Governance.
• Ensuring robust financial processes, risk management and compliance frameworks are embedded across the organisation.
• Managing and Developing the Finance Team.
• Creating a proactive, high-performing finance function that delivers excellent service across the business.
• Preparing monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial reports.
• Supporting budgeting, cashflow forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Managing payroll, pension reporting, VAT returns and statutory submissions.
• Overseeing financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
• Reviewing and authorising purchase orders, payments and expenditure in line with budgets.
• Maintaining risk registers, fraud controls and finance policies.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and reporting efficiency.
• Supporting wider organisational projects and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Proactive approach

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualification

Job description

The West Midlands Growth Company is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead the finance team, deliver accurate reporting and forecasting, and strengthen financial controls across the organisation. Reporting to the Senior Finance & Procurement Manager, you will drive governance and risk management while enabling strategic decision-making.

You will oversee management accounts, budgeting, payroll and audit activity, ensuring efficient financial systems and stakeholder engagement to support