Finance Manager

Salary: circa £55,000 - £65,000 (route to FC within 12-18 months)

Medlock Partners are delighted to be exclusively working with our client, a private equity backed SME business based in the Lancashire area as they look to appoint a competent qualified Finance Manager.

Reporting directly into the Group Finance Director and managing a small finance function, the Finance Manager will take full responsibility for the financial reporting activities for the 3 UK entities, implementing and ensuring robust financial controls and supporting the wider business.

• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including purchase ledger, sales ledger, payroll and cash flow management.
• Manage month‑end group reporting for 3 UK entities, producing accurate management accounts and financial reports.
• Develop controls around purchasing, stock, and supplier management to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
• Support budget preparation, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and tax obligations, including VAT returns.
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and other external partners.
• Provide financial insights to support decision‑making at senior level.
• Oversee and support any finance/administration team members.
• Deputise for UK CFO as and when required.
• Other ad hoc duties as required.

• CIMA/ACCA Qualified, with strong all‑round finance experience.
• Experience of managing a small team.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or service environment preferential (not essential).
• Strong working knowledge of accounting systems.
• Comfortable working in an SME environment—hands‑on, proactive, and able to turn your hand to everything from detail‑level bookkeeping through to board‑level reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, able to liaise confidently across the business.

The ideal candidate will be a technically competent, CIMA/ACCA qualified finance professional who can demonstrate a proven track record of maintaining strong financial controls and working towards strict deadlines in an SME business.

This role would suit either a candidate currently working at Finance Manager level or a strong Management Accountant looking for a step into their 1st Finance Manager remit.

The successful candidate will enjoy full autonomy in their position however, will also benefit from a group structure and be in a unique position that blends independence with valuable resources and support from the wider business.