Finance Manager

The Transactional Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring the efficient processing of all transactional activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.

This role will lead a small finance team, drive process improvements, and ensure robust financial controls are in place.

Key Responsibilities

Team Management

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of three transactional finance staff.
• Allocate workloads and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and support.

Accounts Payable (AP)

• Oversee purchase ledger processes, including invoice processing, approvals, and payment runs.
• Ensure supplier payments are accurate and made on time.
• Manage supplier relationships and resolve escalated issues.

Accounts Receivable (AR)

• Oversee sales ledger, billing, and collection processes.
• Monitor aged debt and drive timely collections.
• Implement effective credit control procedures to minimise bad debt.

Cash & Banking

• Manage daily cash flow and banking activities.
• Prepare short-term cash flow forecasts.
• Ensure bank reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.

Processes & Controls

• Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Maintain accurate financial records and audit trails.

Month-End & Reporting Support

• Support month-end close activities, including AP, AR, and bank reconciliations.
• Provide reporting and analysis on transactional finance activities.
• Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.

Systems

• Oversee finance systems used for transactional processing.
• Support finance system upgrades, improvements, and implementations where required.

Key Requirements

Experience

• Proven experience in a transactional finance role, such as AP Manager, AR Manager, Transactional Finance Manager, or Finance Manager.
• Previous experience managing or supervising a small team.
• Experience working within an SME environment is preferred.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end transactional finance processes.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and drive efficiencies.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective internal and external relationships.

Qualifications

• AAT qualified or part-qualified ACCA, CIMA, or ACA preferred.
• Relevant practical experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of accounts payable and accounts receivable processing.
• Reduction in aged debtors and overdue balances.
• Accuracy of reconciliations and financial records.
• Delivery of process efficiency improvements and automation initiatives.
• Team performance, engagement, and development.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on and proactive approach.
• Strong problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced SME environment.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and team-oriented.