Role: Company Accountant/Finance Manager Location: South Manchester flexible/hybrid working (on completion of probation) Salary: circa £55,000 - £65,000 (flexible depending on candidate) Summary: Medlock Partners are delighted to be exclusively partnering our client, a successful family-owned SME business based in South Manchester area as they look to appoint an experienced Company Accountant, following a recent retirement. Priding themselves on their down to earth and quirky business culture, The Managing Director is looking for a competent Finance professional who is willing to immerse themselves within the business, working closely with the General Manager and be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations of the business, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, payroll, and tax compliance. This position will play a key role in maintaining financial control, supporting the management team with financial analysis, and ensuring the company s financial records are accurate and up-to-date. Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• Prepare monthly management accounts including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.
• Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring sufficient working capital for operations.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure proper documentation for all financial transactions.
• Reconcile bank statements, ledgers, and control accounts on a regular basis.
• Prepare year-end accounts and assist with the external audit process.
• Handle VAT returns, PAYE, and corporation tax submissions, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Prepare financial forecasts and budgets, providing insights to support business planning and decision-making.
• Work closely with department heads to track operational costs, providing analysis to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Manage fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules.
• Assist in pricing strategies, cost analysis, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Ensure financial controls and procedures are in place and being followed.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and banks as required.
• Support the Managing Director and senior leadership team with ad-hoc financial reports and projects.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to financial systems and processes to increase efficiency.

Key Requirements:

• Qualified or Qualified By Experience (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) or significant experience in a similar role.
• 3+ years of experience in an accounting role, preferably within SME production related business
• Strong working knowledge of accounting software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, Xero) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience managing full-cycle accounting including payroll, VAT, and tax submissions.
• Ability to prepare and present financial reports to senior management.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Hands-on approach, with a willingness to handle both day-to-day financial tasks and larger strategic projects.
• Good understanding of costing and margin analysis in a manufacturing context.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive, family-run business environment.
• Career development opportunities within the business.
• Flexible working options may be available.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced CIMA/ACCA qualified finance professional with a strong character, good sense of humour, doesn t take themselves too seriously and excellent communication skills. Candidate s with experience of stock management will also be of interest however, this is beneficial not essential. This role would also suit an experienced Management Accountant who is comfortable operating in a typical robust family run business.