Financial Controller

Collinson Grant; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Manchester is seeking a recently qualified accountant for a Financial Controller role. This position involves preparing management accounts, overseeing transactional processing, and optimizing financial systems. Ideal candidates will have an ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification with experience in practice. Benefits include a competitive salary, 25 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

7% employer pension contributions

Qualifications

• 1-2 years post-qualified experience preferred.
• Current practice experience with SME clients.
• Strong month-end technical capability required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for group companies.
• Oversee transactional processing, including accounts payable/receivable.
• Optimize Xero and maintain workflow controls.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Advanced Excel skills

Confident with Xero

Proactive problem-solver

High attention to detail

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA-qualified

Tools

Xero

Job description

Reporting to the Finance Director, this position is ideal for a recently qualified accountant moving from practice into industry, with strong technical and systems skills. The position will be based at our office in Worsley, Manchester. Remote or hybrid working is not available.

We are seeking a recently qualified accountant for a Financial Controller position within a multi‑entity SME group. This is a varied, hands‑on position requiring a strong work ethic and attention to detail, with the opportunity to shape and develop the finance function as the business grows.

Financial Reporting and Month‑End

• Preparing monthly management accounts for all group companies to a consistent, high standard
• Performing balance sheet reconciliations and maintaining control accounts
• Producing variance analysis, commentary, key performance insights, and regular reporting packs
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and scenario planning
• Providing ad‑hoc analysis for business cases, cost reviews, and investment decisions

Operations and Compliance

• Overseeing transactional processing (accounts payable and receivable, banking, expenses)
• Maintaining fixed asset registers, project cost tracking, and deferred revenue schedules
• Preparing VAT returns and supporting payroll checks
• Assisting with statutory accounts and external audit requirements
• Supporting the maintenance of ISO‑related financial processes (where relevant)

Systems and Process Improvement

• Optimising Xero across all entities and maintaining workflow controls in ApprovalMax
• Increasing automation where possible and standardising working papers
• Documenting processes and strengthening internal controls

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA‑qualified, ideally 1‑2 years post‑qualified experience
• Current practice experience working with SME clients (client manager or senior accountant level)
• Strong month‑end technical capability
• Confident with Xero
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong communication skills; comfortable working with non‑finance stakeholders
• Commercial awareness
• High attention to detail, organised and systematic
• Proactive problem‑solver and calm under pressure
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability

Benefits

• Salary £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave plus the normal (eight) bank and public holidays
• Private healthcare
• 7% employer pension contributions
• Supportive team and exposure across a multi‑entity group