Finance Manager SME

Your new company You'll be joining a highly regarded, family-owned manufacturing business, based near Burnley, who operate within a niche area of advanced manufacturing. They have built their reputation around technical expertise, long-standing client relationships and a strong foothold in multiple high-spec sectors. Despite its specialist offering, it maintains a close-knit, collaborative culture, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and long-term growth.

The business is at a stage where finance is becoming increasingly central to decision-making, making this a great opportunity to step into a role with real influence while remaining within a stable and well-run environment. Your new role This is a hands-on Finance Manager role where you'll take ownership of the month-end process and production of accurate, insightful financial information.

You'll be responsible for preparing management accounts, managing accruals and prepayments, and providing clear commentary on business performance. Alongside this, you'll oversee cash flow, cost control, balance sheet reconciliations and budgeting, while also driving improvements in reporting and processes. You'll also lead and develop a small team of two, mentoring them to become strong, supportive Management Accountants, ensuring high standards across the function while creating a collaborative and forward-thinking finance team.

What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you will have proven experience in a management accounts or finance management position, with previous staff management experience essential. You'll have a track record of leading, mentoring and developing finance team members, while maintaining high standards across the function. The business is open to considering fully qualified (ACCA, CIMA or ACA), part-qualified, or qualified-by-experience (QBE) accountants, provided you can demonstrate the right level of experience and a strong technical grounding.

You'll demonstrate strong experience within an SME environment, with a solid understanding of foreign currency processes, particularly EUR, and how exchange rate systems impact financial reporting. You'll have experience of stock control and pricing, alongside hands-on involvement in VAT returns and external audit processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy across all areas. A proactive, hands-on approach, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with senior stakeholders to support decision-making will be key to success in this role.

What you'll get in return You'll receive a competitive salary of £48,000 to £55,000, depending on experience and qualifications. They are happy to consider fully qualified, part-qualified and QBE candidates, with salaries towards the top end of the range available for those who can demonstrate the right experience and skill set.

Benefits include flexible start and finish times and a generous holiday allowance. You'll be joining a supportive, close-knit team where your input will be recognised, and you'll have the autonomy to shape the role. You'll also benefit from on-site parking and a business that genuinely promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal opportunity for someone looking for both stability and long-term career development within a forward-thinking organisation.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.

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