Finance Manager
Salary: -45,000 - -50,000 + benefits
Location: South Wales (hybrid working available)

The Opportunity
A growing and well-established engineering services business is seeking a commercially minded Finance Manager to take ownership of its finance function. Operating within the MEICA sector (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation), the business supports a range of infrastructure and industrial projects across the UK.

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, this is a hands-on role offering full responsibility for local financial operations, alongside meaningful exposure to group reporting, strategic decision-making, and operational performance.

This position would suit a qualified accountant looking to step into a broad, autonomous role within a growing SME environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

• Prepare and deliver monthly management accounts in line with group deadlines
• Provide clear variance analysis, forecasts, and insightful commentary
• Maintain balance sheet integrity through regular reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements (including VAT)
• Act as the primary contact for auditors and external advisors

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting and planning process
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast
• Provide meaningful analysis and recommendations to support decision-making

Business Partnering & Analysis

• Deliver high-quality financial analysis to support operational and strategic initiatives
• Partner with operational teams, including project managers, to improve financial visibility and performance
• Contribute to management reporting, dashboards, and presentations
• Support business cases, investment appraisals, and potential M&A activity

Systems & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to financial processes and controls
• Support ongoing development and optimisation of finance systems

About You

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Minimum 3 years'' experience in a finance role (practice or industry)
• Experience in a commercial finance or SME environment is advantageous
• Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP)
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting systems (e.g. Sage or similar ERP)

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident communicator, able to engage with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Proactive, hands-on approach with a continuous improvement mindset

Working Arrangements

• Office-based with hybrid flexibility (subject to business needs)
• Occasional travel may be required

Why Apply?

• Broad and autonomous role with real ownership
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
• Opportunity to shape processes in a growing business
• Supportive and collaborative working environment