Standalone Finance Manager

RG Consultancy; Stretford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established finance firm in Stretford is seeking a qualified accountant to manage daily financial operations. The role involves preparation of management accounts, oversight of audits, and providing financial insight to the owner. Ideal candidates will have strong Excel skills and experience in SME environments. You will also manage compliance with UK accounting standards and participate in operational support. This is an office-based role with flexible hours and competitive salary.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Qualified or qualified‑by‑experience accountant.
• Strong experience in SME or owner-managed business environments.
• Solid knowledge of UK accounting standards, VAT, and corporation tax.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Maintain the general ledger and manage month-end and year-end processes.
• Perform cashflow forecasting and manage working capital.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Communication skills

Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or SMEs

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

We are working with a well-established, owner-managed business based in Trafford Park with annual turnover under £20 million. The business is cash-rich, profitable, and operationally hands‑on, with a flat management structure and direct access to the owner. This role is critical to maintaining strong financial control and supporting the continued stability and growth of the company.

The Role

This is a broad, hands‑on finance role with full responsibility for the day‑to‑day financial management of the business. The successful candidate will take ownership of everything from transactional accounting through to statutory reporting, tax, and audits, acting as the principal finance lead and trusted advisor to the owner.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation of monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Ownership and maintenance of the general ledger
• Month‑end and year‑end close processes
• Balance sheet reconciliations and control account reviews
• Cashflow forecasting and working capital management
• Preparation and coordination of year‑end accounts
• Liaison with external auditors and management of the audit process
• VAT returns and compliance
• Corporation tax computations and liaison with external tax advisors
• Oversight (and where required, hands‑on processing) of purchase ledger, sales ledger, and payroll
• Bank reconciliations and payment runs
• Commercial & Operational Support
• Supporting the owner with financial insight, analysis, and decision‑making
• Cost control and margin analysis
• Process improvement and strengthening of financial control
• Ad‑hoc financial analysis and project work as required

Essential

• Qualified or qualified‑by‑experience accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Strong experience in an SME or owner‑managed business environment
• Solid knowledge of UK accounting standards, VAT, and corporation tax
• Experience managing audits and working with external advisor

Strong Excel skills

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or operationally focused SMEs
• Experience working directly with business owners or MDs
• Confident communicator able to challenge and support senior stakeholders

Hours & Benefits

• 37.5 hours per week - flexible start and finish times - office‑based role
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Competitive salary dependent on experience