Finance Manager

Reed Finance are delighted to be partnering with a leading manufacturing business near Taunton to recruit a Finance Manager for a newly created position. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious finance professional looking to take ownership of a broad role, influence key business decisions, and progress their career within a growing organisation. Offering excellent exposure across finance and operations, alongside genuine opportunities for career development and progression, this role would suit a qualified or qualified-by-experience finance professional with strong management accounting and business partnering skills. • Salary of £45,000 - £48,000 + benefits • Newly created role with scope to make a real impact • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements • Excellent opportunities for progression and development • Exposure to strategic projects and senior stakeholders • Supportive and collaborative working environment Key Responsibilities • Manage the full month-end and year-end reporting cycle, including journal preparation, reporting, and production of insightful management accounts. • Lead, mentor and develop two direct reports within the finance team. • Take ownership of monthly forecasting, partnering with operational teams to improve accuracy and provide forward-looking business insights. • Drive initiatives to identify and reduce loss-making products, working cross-functionally to improve profitability and deliver cost-saving opportunities. • Prepare monthly payroll and provide cover for weekly payroll processing, including pensions and statutory requirements. • Oversee inventory management and stock control processes. • Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational and financial decision-making. • Support an upcoming ERP system migration project. • Assist with the annual budgeting process. • Prepare and coordinate capital expenditure submissions. • Lead annual audit preparation and act as the key contact for external auditors. • Own and develop product costing and margin analysis, including labour, overhead and inventory considerations, driving improvements in cost control and profitability. About You • Previous experience in a Finance Manager, Management Accountant or similar role. • Strong month-end reporting and management accounts experience. • Experience within manufacturing, engineering or a stock-based environment would be highly advantageous. • Confident working with operational stakeholders and influencing business decisions. • Strong analytical skills with experience of forecasting, budgeting and KPI reporting. • Previous staff management or supervisory experience preferred.