As Finance Manager, you will be accountable for the integrity of the Group’s financial controls, transactional accuracy, and statutory compliance. You will lead and develop the transactional finance function, ensuring efficient, well-controlled processes across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, payroll, VAT, and intercompany activities. The role will focus on operational finance excellence — ensuring robust financial discipline, scalable processes, and support strong cash management across a multi-entity manufacturing and trading environment. Given the complexity and pace of the business, this role requires a proactive and naturally curious mindset. You will challenge the status quo, seeking to understand root causes, identify process improvements, and continuously strengthen financial controls and efficiency. You will manage and develop direct reports, setting clear expectations and fostering accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement within the transactional finance team. Duties and Responsibilities Transactional Finance Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop Accounts assistants, the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable teams Undertake regular 1:1s, objective setting, and performance reviews. Identify training and development needs to support professional growth and succession planning. Establish and document clear processes, performance standards, and accountability across transactional finance Promote high levels of accuracy, efficiency, and service to the Head of Finance and wider business. Working Capital & Cash Management Oversee credit control, debtor management, and customer credit risk Monitor aged debtors and drive initiatives to reduce debtor days Support cash flow forecasting in collaboration with the Head of Finance Optimise supplier payment practices to support working capital performance Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable Oversight Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and cash allocation Maintain strong purchase ledger controls and supplier reconciliations Ensure transactional integrity and ledger accuracy Manage intercompany transactions and reconciliations Ensure clear visibility by reporting and escalating concerns promptly. Compliance & Statutory Obligations Prepare, review, and submit VAT returns across relevant Group entities Ensure compliance with UK VAT regulations and import VAT treatment Prepare and process payroll, ensuring compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, benefits and statutory obligations Maintain robust payroll controls and reconciliations Financial Controls & Month-End Discipline Own and manage the month-end close process timetable and checklist within FloQast Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are prepared accurately and on time Maintain strong internal controls across transactional finance Identify financial and operational risks and implement control improvements Support management accounts preparation through accurate and timely ledger close Process and understand relevant manufacturing month end transactions Systems & Operational Improvement Lead implementation and optimisation of operational finance systems (i.e PO, expenses, etc) Identify automation opportunities and reduce manual processing Standardise processes across multiple group entities and ensure correct processes and cost allocation Lead controls-based and workflow improvement initiatives Collaboration & Support Work closely with the Group Management Accountant to ensure reporting accuracy Support stock control processes and ensure transactional accuracy feeding into margin reporting Collaborate with operations, procurement, and sales to improve financial data quality Undertake ad-hoc finance and systems-related projects as required Consistently apply curiosity, professional scepticism and practical judgement when reviewing financial information and processes. Person Specification Qualifications Qualified / Finalist Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience – Essential Skills Strong leadership and team management capability – Essential Strong understanding of financial controls and governance – Essential Strong organisational and prioritisation skills – Essential High attention to detail and process discipline – Essential Strong Excel and ERP system capability – Essential Ability to identify and implement process improvements – Essential Effective communication and stakeholder management skills – Essential Proactive, hands-on, and solutions-focused approach – Essential Knowledge Strong understanding of AR and AP processes – Essential Strong understanding of working capital and cash management – Essential Good understanding of UK VAT regulations – Essential Good understanding of UK payroll compliance – Essential Understanding of UK multi-entity and group accounting environments – Essential Experience Proven experience managing AR and AP functions – Essential Experience operating within a multi-company / group structure – Essential Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns – Essential Experience improving financial processes and controls – Essential Experience driving automation or systems improvements – Essential Experience processing or overseeing payroll – Desirable Experience supporting system implementations – Desirable Benefits 25 days holiday per annum (including Christmas closure) rising to 26 days after 5 years and 27 days after 10 years, plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time staff) £200 per annum for health and wellbeing activity / gym membership (after 1 year of service) Voucher awards for ideas Social committee organising departmental events and activities Summer BBQ and/or Christmas party for whole company and partners Free parking Modern offices with kitchen and break facilities Community / Charity day with line manager approval Opportunity to get involved with events and initiatives to support local charities 1 piece of PBH branded merchandise as a welcome / thank you for being part of the PBH team! 10% discount at a local independent gym Ongoing support, development and training in line with needs of the role and business. Financial support to cover cost of specialist eyesight tests for DSE users & glasses for DSE use (including frames that cost up to £50) Auto-enrolment for eligible staff - 8% Pension with NowPensions – (3% Employer & 5% Employee on qualifying earnings)