**Finance Manager
- Job Type: Permanent and full time
- Location: East Peckham
- Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
- Working Arrangements: Office based
We are in search of a seasoned Finance Manager to take the helm of our engineering/manufacturing clients financial operations. The role demands a candidate with extensive experience in SME accounting, with a particular emphasis on adept cash forecasting and management due to the fluctuating nature of major project cash flows. This office-based position is integral for close collaboration with our on-site commercial and engineering teams.
**Key Aspects of the Role:
- Cashbook Management: Daily reconciliation of multiple bank accounts and cashbooks, including multi-currency transactions, ensuring accurate posting and allocation.
- Foreign Exchange: Identify currency flows to minimise transaction fees and hedge foreign exchange risks.
- Purchases: Collaborate with the purchasing team to maintain purchase order logs, reconcile invoices, and prepare payment listings for management approval.
- Sales: Issue sales invoices, ensure proper allocation of payments received, and expedite debt collection.
- Cashflow Monitoring: Oversee medium-term cash flow, coordinating with the commercial team to align project milestone payments with supplier payments.
- Payroll Administration: Manage payroll processes, including timesheet compilation and submission to the payroll bureau, and ensure accurate ledger postings and HMRC payments.
- VAT Compliance: Prepare and submit monthly VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and timely submission to HMRC.
- Project Cost Tracking: Maintain project cost trackers to accurately record and analyse costs, determining the value of work in progress.
- Financial Reporting: Generate high-level financial reports on project profitability, identifying trends and advising on improvements.
- Systems and Process Enhancement: Improve financial and accounting systems, processes, and controls.
- Administrative Support: Provide ad-hoc support for import/export documentation and other administrative tasks.
- Year-End Coordination: Liaise with external accountants and advisors to facilitate the year-end process.
**Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Finance Manager within an SME, ideally with a background in manufacturing or engineering.
- Demonstrable ability to influence and manage senior management as a key member of the team.
- Solid understanding of fundamental accounting principles.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and organise work with minimal supervision.
- Familiarity with Sage 50 is beneficial.
**Benefits:
- Competitive salary package within the stated range.
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic and technically driven environment.
- Autonomy in managing financial operations with a strategic impact on the business.
- Close collaboration with senior management and key teams.
- Support for professional development and growth.
If you are a Finance Manager ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, please apply now!