CYGNUS is an award-winning independent creative company that partners with clients to deliver impactful brand, marketing, and communication solutions. The team blends strategic thinking with creative execution to help organisations stand out and grow. As an independent firm, CYGNUS offers a collaborative environment where ideas are valued and individuals can influence both client outcomes and internal practices. The company values innovation, accountability, and cross-functional teamwork, providing opportunities for professional development and meaningful contribution. Team members join a culture that is fast-paced, supportive, and focused on high-quality work.
Role Description
The Finance Manager will have complete operational and strategic ownership over the entire financial operation of the WLH Group. This role spans a diverse portfolio of four distinct entities: Cygnus Limited (Creative Design), Craft House Coffee Limited (Manufacturing), White Leopard Limited (Hospitality), and One Bite At A Time Limited (Consultancy). The successful candidate will bridge the gap between creative vision and bottom-line profitability, managing month-end processes, rigorous compliance, cashflow management, and day-to-day back-office operations while collaborating closely with the Senior Leadership Team.
Financial Reporting and Month-End Close
* Undertake and manage the full month-end close process and quarterly/yearly disclosures for all four group businesses.
* Produce accurate financial reports, Management Information (MI) decks, and statutory accounts to strict deadlines, providing detailed variance analysis and commentary.
* Ensure all financial statements prepared for Companies House strictly adhere to Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) and UK GAAP.
* Complete and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations to protect ledger integrity.
Strategic Oversight and Performance Management
* Partner with the Finance Director and the Senior Leadership Team to establish robust internal controls, manage departmental financial health, and implement scalable processes.
* Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasts, aligning all operational teams with the group's overarching financial targets.
* Conduct continuous reviews and evaluations to identify cost-reduction opportunities and improve cost control/recognition via an upgraded purchase order process.
* Assess, coordinate, and streamline activities, procedures, and systems across the businesses to promote unified policies and practices.
Treasury, Working Capital and Tax Management
* Monitor, manage and interpret group cash flows, predicting future trends to safeguard liquidity.
* Oversee working capital reporting and management, run proactive credit control/dunning processes to reduce aged debt and minimise bad debt risks.
* Take full ownership of group tax requirements, including calculating and submitting quarterly VAT returns, managing Corporation Tax, maximising R&D tax credit claims, and utilising group loss offsetting.
Operations, Ledger Management and Payroll
* Oversee daily transactions in Xero/Synergist to ensure sales invoices are raised accurately and posted in a timely manner.
* Run purchase ledger operations, produce payment runs, and promptly investigate any transactional discrepancies.
* Run and complete the monthly payroll for the entire group, including pensions and P11D submissions.
* Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations. Oversee elements of HR and operational compliance to ensure adherence to employment law, health & safety regulations, and manage annual business renewals across the group.
* Act as the direct line manager for two finance team members, taking full responsibility for their daily output, professional development, and performance monitoring, while providing strategic direction and a secondary dotted-line management for a third team member to ensure group alignment.
Qualifications and Experience
* ACCA full or part qualified (or equivalent).
* Proven experience operating as a Finance Manager, ideally across diverse sectors.
Technical Systems and Skills
* Strong working knowledge of Xero is preferred.
* Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint proficient.
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