Finance Manager

We are recruiting for a Finance manager for a role based in Oldbury, Birmingham. Key Responsibilities of the Finance manager role 1. Day-to-Day Accounting & Bookkeeping * Take full ownership of internal accounts in their entirety, ensuring everything is recorded accurately. * Manage day-to-day transaction processing, bank reconciliations, and expense management. * Implement robust processes to ensure all business expenses are documented with correct receipts and properly pushed through the business. 2. Commercial Credit Control * Proactively manage the accounts receivable ledger to maintain a healthy cash flow. * Chase outstanding payments via regular telephone calls, emails, and monthly statements. * Confidently issue warnings to delinquent clients and initiate/manage claims through our credit insurers when necessary. 3. Rebates & Commission Management * Manage, track, and reconcile customer-specific rebate structures, ensuring correct accruals and payouts. * Accurately calculate and process monthly commission payments for the sales team. 4. Forecasting, Pricing & Strategic Advice * Provide regular and accurate cash flow forecasts to help manage working capital. * Analyze product costs, overheads, and target profit margins. * Advise the CEO on strategic buying decisions (e.g., bulk stock procurement) and calculate minimum viable selling margins to maximize profitability. 5. Tax, Compliance & External Accountant Liaison * Act as the primary point of contact for our external accountants. * Prepare information and collaborate with the external team for VAT returns, year-end financials, and corporate tax compliance. * Keep up to date with UK tax regulations regarding expenses to ensure the business extracts value efficiently and compliantly. The Ideal Finance manager: Requirements & Qualifications * Software Expertise: Must be an absolute Xero expert. Deep familiarity with its reporting, bank feeds, and add-ons is non-negotiable. * Experience: 3+ years in a similar Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or Senior Bookkeeper role. Experience within wholesale, distribution, or import/export is a strong advantage. * Credit Control Skills: Excellent communication and negotiation skills. You must be comfortable picking up the phone to chase money and assertive enough to enforce payment terms. * Commercial Mindset: You understand the mechanics of business margins (cost vs. sell price) and can provide actionable advice to the CEO rather than just reporting the numbers. * Independence: the finanace manager needs to be highly self-motivated. You are comfortable being the sole finance person in the business and taking absolute accountability. What We Offer for the finance manager role * A competitive salary (dependent on experience). * The opportunity to be a pivotal player in a growing, green-tech business. * Direct access to and collaboration with the Founder/CEO. * Pension scheme and career growth potential