Finance Manager - #2078318

Finance Manager

Manchester City Centre

£65,000 – £70,000 + Bonus

Forge Talent is partnering with a fast-growing, technology-led operational business to appoint a newly created Finance Manager role. With rapid expansion across the UK and a strong focus on scaling efficiently, this position offers the opportunity to step into a broad, hands-on role with genuine influence across the business. This is an ideal opportunity for an ambitious finance professional looking to take ownership, work closely with senior leadership, and play a key role in shaping the next stage of growth.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while acting as a key business partner to the wider leadership team. You’ll oversee the month-end process, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, while helping turn operational data into commercial insight that supports business performance and decision-making.

This is a broad role within a scaling environment, suited to someone comfortable operating at pace and keen to grow alongside the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the full month-end close process, including journals, accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and production of management accounts within tight reporting deadlines
• Lead budgeting and rolling forecasting processes across the business, ensuring clear forward-looking visibility for leadership
• Manage cash flow, including the 13-week forecast, working capital, banking operations, and supplier payments
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, including support for invoice factoring arrangements
• Deliver accurate and timely monthly reporting, including P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow analysis
• Review and sign off balance sheet reconciliations and key journals
• Partner with operational teams to analyse margins, pricing, unit economics, and route profitability, identifying risks and opportunities
• Prepare statutory accounts and support the year-end audit process in collaboration with external advisors
• Support wider compliance requirements including VAT and other regulatory obligations
• Identify and implement improvements across systems, automation, controls, and financial reporting as the business scales
• Develop and maintain scalable financial models to support decision-making and growth planning
• Manage, mentor, and develop a Finance Assistant
• Work closely with the CFO and wider leadership team on strategic initiatives and business planning

Person Specification

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified
• 3–5 years post-qualification experience within a fast-paced commercial environment
• Experience in logistics, transport, e-commerce, marketplace, or other operationally driven businesses advantageous
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with full ownership of month-end processes and UK GAAP reporting
• Advanced Excel skills with strong financial modelling capability
• Experience with Xero would be beneficial
• Commercially minded with the ability to turn financial data into clear, actionable insight
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a scaling, fast-moving environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across finance and non-finance stakeholders

Why This Role?

• Newly created role with genuine ownership and visibility
• Fast-growth environment with significant progression potential
• Opportunity to influence systems, controls, and commercial decision-making
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic planning
• Chance to help build and shape a finance function within a scaling business
• Clear pathway toward senior finance leadership as the business grows