Senior Accounts Manager

Senior Accounts Manager £45,000 DOE Exeter | Multi-Company Group | Competitive Salary + Career Growth Are you an experienced accounts professional who genuinely understands the numbers—not just the process? We're looking for a highly capable Senior Accounts Manager to take ownership of the finance function across a growing group of businesses based in the South West. This is a hands-on, senior role for someone who thrives on improving systems, maintaining financial control, and producing accurate management information that supports business growth. Why This Role? This is not a traditional accounts position where you'll simply process transactions and follow established routines. You'll be trusted to: Take ownership of finance processes across multiple businesses Improve financial controls and reporting standards Drive better use of Xero throughout the group Manage fixed assets, depreciation, finance agreements, and balance sheet control Provide directors with clear, accurate financial information Help build a scalable finance function for an ambitious and expanding organisation If you enjoy solving problems, improving systems, and making a real impact, this role offers an excellent opportunity to shape the future of the finance department. The Role Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will be responsible for: Financial Management & Reporting Producing accurate monthly management accounts Preparing profit & loss reports, balance sheets and cashflow information Supporting budgeting, forecasting and business performance analysis Assisting with group reporting and multi-company financial management Xero Management & Financial Control Managing Xero across multiple companies Maintaining robust financial records and reconciliations Improving reporting, automation, and financial processes Developing stronger controls and reducing manual administration Fixed Assets & Asset Finance A key part of this role is managing fixed assets within Xero, including: Asset additions and disposals Depreciation calculations and postings Asset register maintenance HP agreements, loans, and asset finance reconciliations Ensuring asset records reconcile accurately with management accounts and balance sheets Purchase Ledger & Supplier Management Managing supplier invoices and payment runs Reconciling supplier statements Resolving discrepancies and improving invoice processes Ensuring accurate coding and VAT treatment Compliance & Reconciliations VAT return preparation Bank, loan and intercompany reconciliations Maintaining balance sheet schedules Supporting year-end accounts and external accountants What We're Looking For Essential Experience ✔ Advanced practical experience using Xero ✔ Proven experience using the Xero Fixed Asset Register ✔ Experience posting depreciation, managing asset additions and disposals ✔ Strong management accounts experience ✔ Excellent understanding of balance sheet control and reconciliations ✔ Multi-company or group accounting experience ✔ Strong knowledge of VAT, purchase ledger and financial controls ✔ Excellent Excel skills ✔ Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders Personal Attributes Organised and highly detail-focused Commercially aware and proactive Comfortable challenging poor processes Solutions-focused and hands-on Trustworthy, reliable and professional Able to work confidently in a fast-paced, growing business environment Desirable Experience Experience within any of the following sectors would be highly advantageous: Construction Plant Hire Transport & Logistics Engineering Aggregates Fleet Management Asset-Heavy Businesses Experience with intercompany accounting, board-level reporting and finance system improvements would also be beneficial. Competitive salary based on experience up to £45,000 Long-term career progression opportunities Opportunity to influence and improve a growing finance function Supportive leadership team Flexible working arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates