Head of Finance

Urban Aces Magazine; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned business in Stoke-on-Trent seeks a Finance Manager to lead and manage the finance function. Responsibilities include overseeing accounting operations, preparing financial reports, and maintaining compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate is ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with strong accounting skills and a collaborative mindset. This role offers competitive salary, benefits, and the potential for career progression within an inclusive company culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

28 days holiday

Company pension scheme

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong technical accounting skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Desirable industry experience and experience with Xero.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and finance operations including sales and purchases.
• Prepare accurate quarterly management accounts and financial reports.
• Coordinate annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Skills

Technical accounting skills

Leadership skills

Organisational abilities

Problem-solving abilities

Ability to work under pressure

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified accountant

Tools

Xero

Job description

Location & Working Hours

Knypersley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Full‑time (36.5 hours per week), Monday‑Friday (Mon‑Thu 09:00‑17:00, Fri 09:00‑16:00)
Salary: £50,000 to £65,000.

Feeling unfulfilled in your current role? Ready to drive the growth of an established, respected family‑owned business? As a new member of our team, you’ll be invited to participate in our 9‑day fortnight, giving you at least 20 extra days of free time per year.

CVM World is a leader in the second‑stage motor‑vehicle manufacturing sector, providing market‑leading vehicles to education, civils, charities, blue‑light and many other sectors from our suite of minibuses, welfare, pick‑ups and bespoke vehicle conversions.

CVM World is a family‑owned and managed business with a turnover of £10‑£15m, aiming to grow to £20m+ over the next 3 years. Our rental fleet is roughly 450 vehicles on contracts ranging from 1‑6 months and growing by circa 200 per annum. Our customers come from Blue‑Light, Education, Care, Fleet, Trade and private sale sectors.

To help us achieve our growth targets, we need talented individuals to join our team.

Purpose of the Role

Lead and manage the finance function with a strong emphasis on operational delivery, accuracy, and compliance. This hands‑on role ensures robust financial processes, timely reporting, and active involvement in day‑to‑day finance operations, while providing strategic input into the business direction.

There is potential for a future Financial Director appointment for the right candidate.

It is an exciting time to join as we work towards ISO certification, implement a bespoke whole‑company ERP, and migrate from Sage to Xero.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations Management: Oversee all accounting and finance operations including sales, purchases, general ledgers, payroll, and full balance‑sheet reconciliation.
• Provide strategic and ad‑hoc scenario input to the board.
• Report directly to the Managing Director.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and support the Finance Manager and wider finance team; drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives.
• Reporting: Prepare accurate quarterly management accounts and financial reports; handle complex reconcilations, journal entries, and quarter‑end close; monitor cash flow and working capital and provide regular updates to the Managing Director.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Coordinate annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Compliance and Controls: Maintain and improve cost‑control and credit‑control systems; ensure compliance with statutory laws, VAT returns, and financial regulations including zero‑rating VAT & FCA Consumer Duty; maintain relationships with external advisors (payroll, accountants, banks, funders); liaise with external auditors and manage the audit process.
• Hands‑On Involvement: Act as the intermediary between the Managing Director and finance staff for operational queries; manage treasury risk (FX, interest rates, liquidity).

Skills and Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified accountant.
• Strong technical accounting skills and attention to detail.
• Leadership and management skills.
• Excellent organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Desirable industry experience and experience with Xero.
• Experience with system and database migrations (advantageous but not mandatory).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Possibility to opt in to the 9‑day fortnight after the probation period.
• Company pension scheme.
• Input on company operations through the Staff Liaison Committee.
• Career progression and development pathways for suitable candidates.
• Company uniform provision.
• Inclusive and collaborative company culture.

Our premises are located in Knypersley, Stoke‑on‑Trent, Staffordshire, ST87BD.

All applications will be considered. If you think you have what it takes to become an important part of our team, please send your CV.

Or call in to our offices at CVM World Ltd, Tunstall Road Industrial Estate, Knypersley, ST8 7BD.

If you would like an informal chat to find out more about the role, please call the office on 01782 444289 and ask for Paul Moss.

If you have not heard from us within 30 days of applying, then it is likely your application has been unsuccessful.