Finance Manager

Role Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts through to trial balance for Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Grace’s Day Nursery, and H Evans & Sons.
• Partner with budget holders to review financial performance, monitor expenditure, and provide commercial insight.
• Challenge and support managers in managing overheads, labour costs, and operational efficiencies.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, including detailed cash flow forecasting and financial planning.
• Support the Board of Directors with strategic business planning, financial analysis, and informed decision-making.
• Analyse market trends and key business drivers, providing reporting and insight to support company performance.
• Ensure robust financial reporting systems are maintained, producing accurate financial statements and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Manage accounting operations and cash flow, and identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, solicitors, bankers, and statutory bodies.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and VAT returns within a complex VAT group structure.
• Oversee payroll operations across the group, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Lead, manage, and develop the finance and payroll team to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with directors and wider business functions to improve processes and ensure effective communication of financial information.
• Produce ad hoc financial analysis, reports, and commercial insight as required by senior management and the Finance Director.

Required qualifications & experience

• Part qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or QBE)
• A high level of computer literacy
• Competent user of Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook
• A high level of verbal and written communication skills is essential
• An excellent telephone manner and professional email correspondence is required.
• An ability to effectively communicate with team members at all levels including senior management is essential.

Preferred qualifications & experience

• Experience within a retail or childcare industry
• Experience within a varied finance department