Finance Manager

Location: Preston (4-5 days in the office)

Reporting to: Finance Director

Sowena Group are exclusively partnered with a high-growth business in their search for a Finance Manager to join the team at an exciting stage of its growth journey.

Following continued expansion and a number of strategic acquisitions, the business is investing heavily in its finance function to support future scale. This role will sit at the heart of that transformation, offering the successful candidate broad exposure across financial reporting, business partnering, process improvement and acquisition integration.

Working directly with an experienced Finance Director, this is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional looking to take the next step towards Financial Controller level within a fast-paced, acquisitive environment.

This is a broad and hands‑on position that combines technical accounting with commercial exposure and operational involvement across the wider business.

You will take ownership of financial reporting and controls across multiple entities whilst supporting ongoing acquisition activity, helping integrate new businesses into the group and driving improvements across finance processes, systems and reporting.

The role offers significant visibility across the organisation, partnering with senior stakeholders and playing a key part in building a scalable finance function capable of supporting continued growth.

• Lead the month-end close process across multiple entities
• Review balance sheet reconciliations, journals, accruals and prepayments
• Ensure robust financial controls and reporting standards are maintained
• Support the preparation of Board reporting and investor information
• Act as a key contact throughout the external audit process

• Support the financial integration of newly acquired businesses
• Assist in standardising reporting processes and financial controls across the group
• Work closely with senior stakeholders on acquisition-related finance projects
• Help embed scalable finance processes to support future growth

• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, controls and month-end efficiency
• Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function
• Partner with Data and Systems teams to enhance reporting capability
• Contribute to the ongoing development of finance infrastructure

• Mentor and support members of the finance team
• Build strong relationships with operational and commercial stakeholders
• Provide financial insight to support business decision‑making
• Work closely with the Finance Director on strategic projects and business initiatives

• Support cashflow forecasting and working capital management
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities
• Provide analysis around key financial trends and business performance

• ACA or ACCA qualified
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with experience across financial reporting and controls
• Previous experience within a Finance Manager, Financial Accountant or Financial Reporting role
• Confident managing month‑end processes and balance sheet ownership
• Experience with in a growing, SME or private equity‑backed environment would be advantageous
• Exposure to acquisitions, integrations or multi‑entity reporting would be beneficial
• Strong communicator who enjoys partnering with stakeholders across the business
• Proactive, commercially aware and motivated by continuous improvement