Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Location: Exeter (On-site)

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About the Compan

If you enjoy working in a close-knit SME where ideas are welcomed, people support one another, and no two days are the same, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for. We are recruiting on behalf of an award-winning engineering business that designs and delivers highly specialised technical solutions for clients across the globe.

Following significant growth and the award of several major long-term contracts, the business is entering an exciting new phase. Innovation, collaboration and practical problem-solving are at the heart of everything they do, and every employee has the opportunity to make a genuine impact.

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing business at a pivotal stage in its journey.As Finance Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while helping to shape how finance supports the business as it continues to expand. Working closely with senior leadership, you'll provide meaningful commercial insight, strengthen financial controls and play a key role in improving processes across the organisation.This is a genuinely hands-on position where you'll have the autonomy to influence change whilst remaining involved in the detail. As the business grows, there is clear scope for the role to develop into a more senior finance leadership position.

What You'll Be Doing

• Producing monthly management accounts, reconciliations and financial reporting
• Managing cashflow forecasting and working capital
• Supporting project costing, profitability reporting and budget management
• Partnering with operational teams to provide commercial financial insight
• Overseeing finance operations including purchase ledger, sales ledger, payment runs and credit control in the short term
• Working alongside an external bookkeeping provider before helping bring this function in-house
• Preparing VAT returns, payroll journals and supporting compliance activities
• Developing KPI reporting and management information
• Improving financial processes, controls and reporting systems
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and longer-term financial planning
• Helping build and develop the future finance function

What We're Looking For

You'll thrive in this role if you're someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems and making improvements.We're looking for someone who is commercially minded but equally happy rolling up their sleeves when needed. You'll enjoy working closely with operational teams, be confident communicating with senior stakeholders and be motivated by helping a growing business achieve its ambitions.This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys the variety and pace of an SME environment and wants to play a visible role in shaping the future of the finance function.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified (ACCA/CIMA) or qualified by experience
• Previous experience within an operational Finance Manager or Management Accountant role
• Strong management accounting and month-end reporting experience.
• Experience managing cashflow forecasting and financial controls
• Commercial awareness with the ability to analyse financial performance and profitability
• Excellent Excel and financial systems skills (Xero experience advantageous).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience partnering with non-finance stakeholders
• Knowledge of VAT and HMRC compliance
• Excellent communication skills with a collaborative approach.

Desirable

• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, construction or project-based environments
• Exposure to project costing, work in progress (WIP) or product costing.
• Experience with ERP or MRP systems.
• Experience supervising or mentoring finance team members.
• Experience driving process improvements and strengthening financial con trols.

Why You'll Love Th is Role

This is far more than a traditional Finance Manager position. It's an opportunity to build something.You'll join a growing, ambitious business where your ideas will be listened to, your contribution will be visible and you'll have the chance to influence how finance operates as the company continues to scale.Alongside a competitive salary, you'll enjoy:

• £45,000 - £55,000 salary depending on experience.
• Company pension.
• Private healthcare and cash plan (following probation).
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
• Free onsite parking.
• Company events.
• Genuine career progression and the opportunity to grow into a senior finance leadership role. A supportive, collaborative culture where everyone works together to achieve success

Int erested?

If you're looking for a Finance Manager opportunity where you can genuinely make a difference and grow alongside an ambitious business, we'd love to hear from you.Apply today with your CV or contact Josie McKee for a confidential conversation on 01392 911231 ***email_hidden***