Senior Finance Officer

Ashley Kate HR & Finance; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A senior finance professional is sought to lead the day-to-day finance function for a Leeds-based SME. You will own invoicing, payroll inputs, reconciliations, and monthly reporting, while partnering with senior stakeholders to drive cashflow improvements.

Candidate will manage a small team, oversee VAT/tax compliance and usage of the Sage system, with strong Excel capabilities and professional qualifications (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or QBE) encouraged.

Qualifications

• Hands-on SME finance role with end-to-end responsibility.
• Experience managing cashflow and credit control is essential.
• Strong budgeting/revenue recognition and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with Sage required.
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and guiding junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full finance function including invoicing, credit control and reconciliations.
• Manage month-end processes including payroll inputs and reporting.
• Oversee monthly invoicing cycles (5 runs per month) and improve cash collection.
• Develop cashflow forecasting and monitor working capital.
• Operate and ensure compliance with VAT and tax reporting.

Skills

Cashflow management

Invoicing

Credit control

Month-end processes

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder reporting

Education

CIMA/ACCA/ACA or QBE

Tools

Sage

Excel

Job description

Senior Finance Officer

Location: Leeds

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000

We are partnering with a growing, people-focused SME based in Leeds to recruit a hands-on Senior Finance Officer. This is a key role within the business, offering ownership of the day-to-day finance function while supporting operational and strategic decision-making.

This position will suit someone who enjoys a broad, all-encompassing role, combining transactional oversight, reporting, and cashflow management, while working closely with senior stakeholders.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, you will play a key role in the day-to-day management of the finance function, supervising finance processes and supporting junior team members while ensuring accurate financial reporting and strong cashflow management.

Key responsibilities include:

Core Finance Duties

• Oversee the full finance function, including invoicing, credit control, and reconciliations
• Manage month-end processes, including payroll inputs, overtime and reporting
• Oversee the production and accuracy of monthly invoicing cycles (5 runs per month)
• Ensure timely debt collection and drive improvements in cash collection processes
• Maintain and review balance sheet reconciliations

Cashflow & Financial Management

• Support and develop cashflow forecasting and predictions
• Monitor working capital with a focus on improving cash inflow
• Provide financial insight to support business decision-making

Systems & Compliance

• Operate and optimise Sage accounting system
• Ensure compliance with VAT and tax reporting requirements

Payroll & Administration

• Oversee internal payroll processes, including deductions and pensions
• Support onboarding processes from a finance perspective (new starters, system setup)
• Administer financial elements of company car agreements

Team Leadership

• Support a small finance team, including an Accounts Assistant
• Work closely with existing team members responsible for payroll, invoicing, and reporting
• Provide guidance, oversight, and process improvements

The Person

We're looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in a hands-on SME finance role
• Confident managing end-to-end finance processes
• Strong with cashflow and credit control (critical to the business)
• Comfortable working in a broad role with operational crossover
• An advanced Excel user with experience in Sage
• Either qualified (CIMA/ACCA/ACA), part-qualified, or QBE
• Experience managing or mentoring staff is desirable.

If you're looking for a broad role where you can add value, improve processes, and be a key part of a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies