8:30am – 5:00pm (Mon – Thurs)
8:30am – 4:00 pm (Friday)
Reports to: Managing Director
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Accounts Manager (Finance & Payroll) to take full ownership of day-to-day finance operations within a growing SME environment.
This is a broad, standalone role reporting directly to the Managing Director, responsible for financial operations, month-end and year-end close, payroll, compliance, and coordination with external auditors and advisors. The successful candidate will be confident managing the full finance function and improving processes where possible.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations (AP, AR & Cashflow)
1. Manage Accounts Payable: supplier onboarding, invoice processing, approvals, payment runs, statement reconciliations, and query resolution
2. Manage Accounts Receivable: raising sales invoices and credit notes, cash allocation, debtor control, credit management, and overdue collections
3. Complete bank reconciliations and monitor daily cashflow
4. Support short-term cash planning and reporting
5. Process expense claims and company card reconciliations
Month-End, Quarter-End & Year-End
6. Lead the month-end close process including journals, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations
7. Prepare monthly management accounts and reporting packs
8. Support quarterly reporting and analysis
9. Coordinate year-end accounts preparation and audit files
10. Liaise with external accountants and auditors to ensure a smooth audit process
Payroll & Wages
11. Process weekly and/or monthly payroll, including starters, leavers, pay changes, deductions, and pensions
12. Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure HMRC compliance
13. Handle payroll-related queries professionally and confidentially
14. Coordinate payroll changes with management and HR support providers
Tax & Compliance
15. Prepare and submit VAT returns and supporting reconciliations
16. Support PAYE, pension, and statutory reporting obligations
17. Maintain strong financial controls, policies, and documentation
Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
18. Maintain finance systems and ensure accurate customer, supplier, and nominal data
19. Produce regular reports including P&L, balance sheet, aged debtors/creditors, cash position, and KPIs
20. Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities
Skills & Experience – Essential
21. Proven experience in an Accounts Manager or Finance Manager role within an SME
22. Strong hands-on experience across AP, AR, bank reconciliations, journals, and month-end/year-end close
23. Payroll processing experience (end-to-end)
24. Experience supporting audits and working with external accountants
25. Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations)
26. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
27. Confident communicator with the ability to manage deadlines and resolve issues
Desirable
28. AAT qualified or equivalent (ACCA/CIMA part or fully qualified is advantageous)
29. Experience with VAT, multi-currency, import/export, or stock accounting
30. Familiarity with finance systems such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP Business One, or Dynamics
Personal Attributes
31. Trustworthy and discreet, handling sensitive financial and payroll data
32. Proactive with a strong sense of ownership
33. Calm and resilient during month-end and audit periods
34. Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
Benefits Package
35. Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum
36. Holiday: 23 days per annum (increasing with service)
37. Pension: 6% employer contribution
38. Life Insurance: 4× salary
39. Optional private healthcare (part funded)
40. Hybrid working considered after initial period