Finance Manager

Quell is a British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors.

We are looking for a proactive, hands-on Finance Manager to take ownership of the day-to/day finance function within our growing business.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in developing and maintaining the financial processes, systems and controls that will support the company’s continued growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the underlying accounting is accurate, timely and well controlled, while leading the preparation of the month-end accounts and providing reliable financial information to the CFO.

The role will suit an organised and commercially aware finance professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced, evolving environment, is comfortable operating independently and takes pride in getting the detail right.

As a growing business, we need someone who is happy to be hands-on with the day-to-day accounting while also taking ownership of improving processes, strengthening controls and developing the finance function as the company scales.

• Take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, ensuring transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.
• Oversee purchase ledger, sales ledger, supplier payments, customer receipts, expenses and bank reconciliations.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring suppliers are paid appropriately and customer balances are monitored.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure transactions are correctly coded and recorded.
• Manage the weekly payment process, ensuring appropriate supporting documentation, authorisation and controls are in place.
• Monitor outstanding invoices, resolve queries and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and customers.
• Maintain cash book records and support day-to-day cash management.

• Own and manage the month-end close process, ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
• Prepare the monthly accounts and supporting schedules for review by the CFO.
• Prepare and post journals, accruals, prepayments and other month-end adjustments.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Reconcile key control accounts, intercompany balances and other relevant accounts.
• Ensure accounting records are complete and accurate before information is passed to the CFO for review and reporting.
• Maintain a clear month-end timetable and continuously improve the efficiency and quality of the close process.
• Work closely with the CFO to resolve queries and provide supporting information for management reporting and financial analysis.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date cash flow information and short-term cash forecasts.
• Monitor cash balances, upcoming receipts, supplier payments and other financial commitments.
• Support the CFO with cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Establish and maintain appropriate financial controls, approval processes and accounting procedures.
• Identify discrepancies, risks or weaknesses in existing processes and recommend practical improvements.
• Ensure financial transactions are supported by appropriate documentation and approvals.

• Coordinate the preparation of VAT returns and other routine financial submissions, ensuring information is accurate and submitted on time.
• Support payroll processing and ensure payroll information is accurately reflected in the accounts.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors and tax advisers, providing accurate…