Finance Manager Controls & Strategic Insight

We’re looking for an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting, and clear commercial insight. This role is key to supporting sustainable growth, improving financial processes, and partnering with operational teams to drive performance and profitability.

You’ll take ownership of financial management across budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cashflow, and compliance — while leading or supporting a small finance function where appropriate.

• Lead the monthly management accounts process, ensuring accurate reporting, clear variance analysis, and timely close.

• Prepare and manage annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and cashflow projections.

• Provide commercial finance support to department heads and project teams, including cost tracking and margin analysis.

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring supplier payments and client invoicing are accurate and on schedule.

• Monitor cashflow, working capital, and banking relationships, flagging risks early and recommending solutions.

• Maintain and improve financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and best practice.

• Produce financial dashboards and performance reporting for senior leadership, highlighting trends and actionable insights.

• Manage payroll inputs and coordination (either in-house or with external providers).

• Support year-end processes and liaise with external accountants/auditors to ensure smooth statutory reporting.

• Ensure compliance with VAT, tax, and other regulatory requirements, keeping up to date with changes to legislation.

• Drive process improvements and automation within finance systems to increase efficiency and accuracy.

• Manage and mentor finance team members as applicable, ensuring workload balance and development.

• Proven experience in a Finance Manager (or similar) role, with responsibility for end-to-end finance operations.

• Strong management accounting background, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cashflow.

• Confident working with senior stakeholders, providing clear commercial guidance and financial insight.

• Excellent knowledge of financial controls, compliance, and statutory reporting requirements.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong familiarity with accounting software (e.g., Xero, Sage, Quick Books, Net Suite, or similar).

• High attention to detail, with the ability to spot issues quickly and improve processes.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines, especially around month-end and year-end.

• Calm, solutions-focused approach in fast-paced environments.

• Qualified (ACCA / CIMA / ACA) or QBE with substantial relevant experience.

• Industry experience in services, project-based businesses, events/exhibitions, or creative/production environments is advantageous but not essential.