CIMA Finance Manager (Immediately Available)

Profile.

Education / Qualification

2015 Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). CGMA Qualified

2009 University. BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics. Grade 2:1

2006 High School and Sixth Form. GCSE July 2004 and A Levels

Systems used

Microsoft packages including advanced Excel, various SAGE systems, SAP, Syspro ERP, Experian, CerditSafe, other in-house systems

About

CIMA-qualified Finance Manager with over 15 years’ experience in management accounting and finance. Proven track record of driving process improvements, increasing operational efficiency, and delivering accurate financial reporting within fast-paced commercial environments. Experienced in finance leadership, ERP system implementations and migrations, and partnering with stakeholders across all levels of the business. Highly analytical with advanced Excel skills, a collaborative approach, and a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Competencies

• CIMA-qualified Finance Manager with over 15 years’ management accounting experience and 3–4 years’ experience leading finance teams.
• Proven track record of driving process improvements, automation and ERP system implementations, including migrations, upgrades and ledger integrations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, financial modelling, forecasting and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with extensive experience interpreting complex financial data to support business decision-making.
• Effective business partner with excellent communication and presentation skills, able to engage confidently with senior leaders and non-financial stakeholders.
• Collaborative and proactive leader with a hands-on coaching style, committed to continuous improvement, accountability and delivering high-quality results.

Career Summary.

• Prepare monthly management accounts for two group companies, providing support to additional entities across the group as required
• Produce accurate month-end journals, including accruals, prepayments, depreciation, stock adjustments and other nominal ledger postings
• Maintain the fixed asset register and oversee depreciation calculations
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial records
• Lead the migration from Sage 50 and Sage 1000 to Sage 200 across seven group companies, with four successful implementations completed to date
• Develop and standardise new finance processes as part of ERP system implementation projects
• Work closely with warehouse and production teams to design and implement new warehouse and stock management systems, aligning processes across multiple sites and companies
• Prepare and calculate biannual absorption costing to support product costing and financial reporting
• Prepare, reconcile and submit VAT returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements
• Support the management of the credit control function, including mentoring and training team members to improve processes and performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased operational efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance systems and business processes to enhance reporting accuracy and productivity

• Managed the day-to-day finance and accounting function, leading a team of three direct reports including a Credit Controller, Accounts Payable Assistant and Accounts Assistant
• Prepared and presented monthly management accounts, including detailed financial analysis and commentary, to the Group Board
• Completed monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records
• Prepared, reconciled and submitted quarterly VAT returns, maintaining full compliance with HMRC requirements
• Produced and submitted monthly payroll information to the Group payroll team, ensuring timely payroll processing and HMRC payments
• Developed quarterly financial forecasts and annual budgets to support strategic planning and business performance
• Acted as the primary contact for external auditors and funding auditors, coordinating audit requirements and ensuring successful completion
• Managed weekly cashbook reconciliations and prepared rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts for Group reporting
• Maintained the fixed asset register, ensuring assets were accurately recorded and compliant with company policies
• Developed, documented and enhanced finance processes, accounting policies and internal controls to improve governance and operational efficiency
• Conducted new customer onboarding and periodic credit reviews using Experian and CreditSafe to minimise financial risk
• Administered the SAP SuccessFactors HR system, including employee onboarding, role management and maintenance of accurate employee data.
• Identified and implemented system and process improvements to enhance efficiency, reporting accuracy and financial controls.
• Worked collaboratively with operational and senior management teams to support informed commercial decision-making and continuous business improvement.

• Prepared and analysed operational financial results, providing detailed commentary on purchase price variances (PPV), production performance variances and stock provisions
• Led costing reviews across multiple European sites, supporting pricing strategies and ensuring accurate product costing
• Managed the annual stock take process, overseeing planning, execution and reconciliation to maintain inventory accuracy
• Maintained product master data and SAP condition tables, including mark-ups, burden rates and recovery rates to ensure accurate costing and reporting
• Supported capital expenditure (CapEx) investment requests through financial analysis and business case preparation
• Identified and delivered working capital improvement initiatives to enhance cash flow and operational performance
• Prepared annual budgets and quarterly financial forecasts to support business planning and performance management
• Actively participated in SAP Sprint continuous improvement projects, helping to optimise finance processes and system functionality
• Developed and maintained documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the Operations Finance team to improve consistency, controls and efficiency
• Partnered closely with operations and manufacturing teams, providing financial insight to support commercial and operational decision-making

• Provided financial reporting, analysis and commercial insight to support operational decision-making, with a focus on overhead expenditure, product costing, budgeting and forecasting
• Managed month-end finance activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
• Calculated pension contributions and supported payroll-related financial processes
• Reviewed and evaluated capital expenditure (CapEx) requests, providing financial analysis to support investment decisions
• Investigated and resolved stock and production order queries, ensuring the accuracy of inventory and manufacturing data
• Implemented rolling forecast processes to improve the accuracy and visibility of financial performance
• Worked closely with the site leadership team to improve financial understanding, providing coaching and guidance on the commercial impact of operational decisions
• Successfully completed the GROW Leadership Programme, leading a cross-functional, site-wide improvement project in 2021
• Identified opportunities to enhance the use of the Syspro ERP system, supporting process improvements and greater reporting efficiency
• Collaborated across finance, operations and production teams to strengthen financial controls and drive continuous business improvement

Previous Employment:

May 2021 – February 2015 – Stock Analyst

July 2010 – May 2012 – Stock Accounts Assistant

October 2009 – July 2010 – Duty Accounting Clerk

July 2009 – October 2009 – Finance Assistant