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* Hybrid (Altrincham HQ, South Manchester)
* Full-time | Permanent
Forge Talent is partnering with a growing, fast-paced SME headquartered in South Manchester to recruit a commercially minded Finance Manager. This is a brilliant opportunity to join a business that’s scaling and modernising, where finance plays a central role in supporting strategic decisions.
This is a hands-on role responsible for end-to-end financial operations and leadership of a small team, perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is ready to step up into a broader, business-facing position.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the production of monthly management accounts (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow), including variance analysis and board commentary
* Drive budgeting and forecasting processes, working with senior leadership to align finance with commercial targets
* Full payroll ownership, including all statutory requirements (P11d, P60s, P32s)
* Oversee employee benefits schemes including pension, healthcare and insurance
* Ensure tight cost control, challenge spend, and monitor EBITDA performance
* Lead year-end processes and support external audit and statutory reporting
* Prepare and submit VAT returns and maintain financial compliance
* Manage a small finance team, driving performance, development, and efficiency
* Oversee all transactional finance operations: invoicing, payments, reconciliations, supplier onboarding
* Act as project lead for finance system/process improvements, working cross-functionally to enhance reporting and automation
* Contribute to commercial decision-making through ROI analysis and business case evaluation
What You’ll Bring
* Qualified accountant (ACCA / ACA / CIMA)
* Previous experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role within an SME
* Confident communicator – able to partner with senior stakeholders and non-finance teams
* Strong leadership skills – experienced in managing and developing small teams
* Commercially astute, detail-focused, and systems-savvy
* Comfortable managing both the strategic and hands-on aspects of finance
* Experience in the recruitment or professional services sector (including RPO or MSP models) would be a bonus but not essential.
Why Apply
* Real ownership and autonomy
* Hybrid working with flexibility
* Opportunity to influence systems, reporting, and commercial outcomes
* Part of a business on a clear growth trajectory, with a high-performing senior team
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