Job Description: Finance Manager, with progression to Financial Controller
Location: Poole, Dorset
Reports to: CEO
Salary: £55k - £60k
Talent Guardian are proud to be partnering with Vault X to hire a Finance Manager for their Poole based office.
Introduction
Are you a qualified finance professional ready to shape the finance function of a fast-growing consumer brand? We're seeking a commercially minded and process-driven Finance Manager to join our team and play a key role in building the foundations of our finance operations.
This is an exciting opportunity to join at a pivotal moment in our growth journey, with the chance to make a tangible impact from day one, and a clearly defined progression path from Finance Manager to Financial Controller as the business scales.
Role Overview
As we scale our operations, we're transitioning from outsourced finance functions to building a world-class internal finance team - and this role is central to that exciting transformation.
The Finance Manager will act as the bridge between our outsourced finance function and the internal operational & leadership team, ensuring accurate, timely financial information and strong financial controls. In the short term, you will oversee core processes such as bookkeeping, reconciliations, and reporting delivered by our external partners. Over time, you will bring more processes in-house, implement robust systems, and help establish scalable finance operations.
This role offers a clear progression path into a Financial Controller position as the company continues its rapid growth.
Key Responsibilities
Short Term (with outsourced support)
* Own the relationship with outsourced bookkeeping/accounting providers, ensuring timely reconciliations and accurate reporting.
* Oversee and review VAT, international sales tax, and other compliance outputs, ensuring accuracy of submissions and adherence to regulatory deadlines.
* Deliver monthly management accounts, reporting packs, and actionable insights to senior leadership to support informed decision-making.
* Lead cash flow forecasting and daily cash management, highlighting risks, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
* Partner with operations and supply chain teams to optimise inventory purchasing and logistics costs.
* Strengthen internal controls and continuously improve finance processes, systems, and efficiency across the business.
* Own and develop daily, weekly, and monthly sales and operational reporting, ensuring the business has clear visibility of performance drivers.
* Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning process, creating associated cash flows.
* Produce ad-hoc analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making
* Act as the first point of contact for day-to-day finance queries, supporting colleagues across all departments.
Medium to Long Term (transition to internal)
* Transition and own bookkeeping and reconciliations as they move from outsourced to in-house, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Build and implement robust financial processes, policies, and internal controls to support a scaling business.
* Lead the implementation and optimisation of finance systems (e.g. Xero, reporting dashboards, inventory and ERP tools) to improve accuracy and efficiency.
* Manage the preparation of statutory accounts and act as the key liaison with external auditors and advisors.
* Develop and mentor the internal finance team as the function grows, creating clear roles and responsibilities.
* Oversee the monthly close process including balance sheet reviews, reconciliations, and reporting, ensuring strong financial governance.
Skills & Experience Required
* Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA).
* Proven track record in month-end close, reconciliations, and management reporting.
* Experience in e-commerce, retail, or consumer goods highly desirable.
* Familiarity with Amazon/marketplace financial reporting/settlements an advantage.
* Proficient with Xero (or similar cloud-based accounting software) and Excel.
* Confident communicator with experience managing outsourced providers and engaging internal stakeholders.
* Ambition to grow into a Financial Controller role as the company scales.
Personal Attributes
* Detail-oriented with a strong commercial mindset.
* Proactive and process-driven, keen to implement & improve systems and controls.
* Broad understanding of operational finance functions.
* Experience of ERP/finance system implementation desirable.
* Strong team player, adaptable to a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
* Ambitious, motivated, and growth-focused, with a clear career development mindset.
Why Join Us?
* Career Growth: This role offers immense opportunities for personal and professional development in a growing company.
* Small Friendly Team: Work with a group of passionate, creative professionals who love what they do. You'll make a real impact and feel valued for your achievements.
* Culture: Our culture is built on creativity, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a supportive environment where every team member's contributions are valued and celebrated.
* Enhanced Benefits: Modern, stylish work environment, Lunchtime yoga, 2 company events a year, 24 days holiday + birthday holiday, company pension, health insurance (after probation), flexible working hours and some work from home possible.