Finance Manager

We are exclusively recruiting for an experienced and highly organised Finance Manager to lead our client's Accounts team and ensure robust financial management and control across the business. This is a senior, hands‑on role with responsibility for overseeing day‑to‑day financial operations while contributing strategically to the company's long‑term objectives.

Location:

Ashford, Kent. This role is office based, but flexibility is available to attend appointments etc.

Hours:

Monday‑Friday, 8:30am-5pm

£55,000-£65,000 DOE

• 22 days annual leave + Bank holidays
• Free parking
• A pivotal role within a growing and well‑established business
• Opportunity to influence financial strategy and business performance
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment

• Develop and deliver the annual strategic plan for the Accounts department
• Oversee the efficient running of the accounts function, ensuring high professional standards
• Identify financial and operational risks and implement mitigation plans
• Analyse supplier and business relationships to reduce costs and improve profitability
• Review ad‑hoc contracts, renewals, insurance and associated financial data
• Stay up to date with industry practices and financial legislation
• Prepare budgets and review with Managers and Directors
• Produce and maintain management accounts and supporting spreadsheets
• Compile and submit VAT returns, Company Annual Returns and National Statistics returns
• Ensure all statutory and non‑statutory payments are accurate and submitted on time
• Maintain and control the Asset Register
• Submit monthly and quarterly financial returns to manufacturers
• Oversee Credit Control processes, review aged debt monthly and generate stop lists
• Step in to cover Credit Controller duties where required
• Oversee Purchase Ledger, ensuring reconciliations, allocations and payment runs are completed correctly and on time
• Authorise and code purchase invoices
• Generate and review trial balances and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare and post journals including accruals, depreciation, and adjustments
• Produce, review, and distribute management accounts to strict deadlines
• Attend monthly management meetings and support managers with financial queries
• Prepare and oversee monthly payroll for approximately 270 employees using Moorepay
• Manage PAYE, NI, student loans, pensions, and benefits in kind
• Post payroll journals to the nominal ledger and ensure all payments are accurate
• Prepare statutory audit information and liaise with external auditors
• Attend audit review meetings and present findings to Directors and Shareholders
• Ensure full compliance with company policies and statutory requirements
• Lead, motivate and develop the Accounts team
• Conduct performance reviews and support training and succession planning
• Manage recruitment, annual leave, and sickness to ensure adequate cover
• Ensure Health & Safety compliance across the department

• Proven experience in a senior finance or finance management role
• Strong knowledge of management accounts, payroll, VAT, and statutory reporting
• Confidence to manage people with excellent organisational and leadership skills
• Hands‑on, proactive, and able to meet strict deadlines
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work strategically