Finance Manager (Progression to Head of Finance in 18 months) Bedfordshire | On-site 5 Days a week | Permanent | No Hybrid working Hours: Mon to Fri 08:30 to 5pm We're working with a successful circa £30m turnover, family-owned business, looking to appoint a hands-on Finance Manager who is ready to step into a broader leadership role and grow into Head of Finance within the next 18 months. This is not a corporate, process-heavy environment. It's a practical, collaborative SME, where people roll their sleeves up, work closely together, and genuinely make an impact. This is a key hire for a lean, high-performing finance function. You'll lead a small team of four, stay close to the detail when needed, and work directly with the Managing Director and Commercial Director to shape budgets, forecasting, and commercial decision-making. If you're currently operating in an SME environment and enjoy being close to the action - this role offers genuine influence, visibility, and career progression. The Role This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role, managing a team of four within a lean structure. You'll lead the function, but you'll also be comfortable stepping into the detail when needed - particularly during holidays, peak periods, and year-end. You'll work closely with the Managing Director,Commercial Director and Compoany Secretary, playing a central role in shaping budgets, forecasting, and commercial decision-making, while also owning the relationship with external auditors and leading the year-end process. Key responsibilities include: Leading and developing a small finance team (4 direct reports) Hands-on involvement across transactional and core finance when required Budgeting, forecasting and commercial financial planning Monthly management accounts and financial reporting Cashflow management and financial control Working closely with MD and Commercial Director on business performance Ownership of year-end process and relationship with external auditors Building scalable finance processes to support growth Who This Suits This role is ideal for someone currently operating in an SME or owner-managed environment who enjoys being close to the business and commercially involved - not siloed in a large corporate structure. You'll be: A qualified hands-on Finance Manager (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) Comfortable managing a small team while staying operationally involved Strong on budgets, forecasting and commercial finance Confident working directly with senior leadership Experienced with year-end, audit and external advisors Someone who enjoys building, improving and owning a finance function Motivated by progression and ready to step into a Head of Finance role This role won't suit someone looking for a purely strategic or corporate finance position. It will suit someone who enjoys being close to the business, leading from the front, and wants a clear pathway into a Head of Finance role within a growing SME. For a confidential discussion, please apply