Job Description

Company profile

AB Energy Centre Ltd is a family-owned, Cumbria-based renewable energy business with roots going back to 2010. We specialise in

Rural Heating and Power

, delivering commercial biomass heating systems and Solar PV installations across Cumbria, the Borders, and southern Scotland.

As one of the UK's longest-standing businesses in this sector, we have built a reputation for

technical excellence, reliability, and innovation

.

Our team of 13 full-time staff + contractors delivers a disproportionate impact. We are currently the

largest biomass boiler maintenance provider in the Borders region

, managing a portfolio of over 600 systems. We also install new renewable technologies throughout our region, such as Solar & Biomass plants.

We operate a

digital-first, tech-led business

, with electronic job management systems, robust internal processes, and a strong culture of continuous improvement. We are open to change, automation, and new ideas that genuinely improve how the business operates.

Our base is in a

rural setting

, offering a relaxed but professional working environment, with benefits that support wellbeing and work-life balance.

About the role

We are seeking a

Finance and Accounts Manager (SME)

to take full responsibility for the company's financial operations.

This is a

hands-on, senior role

suited to someone who enjoys working in an SME environment, values ownership and autonomy, and wants to have a visible impact on how finance supports a growing business. You will work closely with the Managing Director, company directors, and operational teams and will be a

key person in the business

, supporting informed decision-making through accurate, trusted financial data.

Over the past two years, the finance function has undergone significant development, with clearer month-end processes, reporting structures, and documented controls now in place. The successful candidate will be stepping into a

stabilised and understood finance function

, with clear scope to refine and improve systems as the business continues to evolve.

This role suits someone who is motivated by shaping and improving finance processes, working closely with operational teams, and applying their experience in a hands-on setting where good judgement and pragmatism matter.

Key responsibilitiesFinancial ownership

Be the

primary internal owner

of the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accuracy, control, and timely reporting Own bookkeeping accuracy, reconciliations, and ledger integrity Manage sales invoicing support, credit control, and supplier payments Prepare, review, and submit VAT returns, liaising with external accountants where required Process staff payroll (currently outsourced)

Month-end & management accounts

Run the full month-end close process with accuracy and consistency Post and review journals, including accruals, prepayments, and overhead allocations Work with department heads on WIP and check for financial reasonableness, querying anomalies where required Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including: P&L by department Gross margin reporting Performance tracking against agreed dashboards and targets Business overhead monitoring

Reporting, dashboards & decision support

Produce financial dashboards used for monthly business reviews Develop and evolve existing dashboards to improve clarity, usefulness, and decision support over time Highlight when figures are off target or inconsistent Provide clear, factual information to support management decisions Assist with the financial assessment of new business ventures and opportunities

Cash & compliance

Maintain a forward view of cash requirements and key timing events Highlight upcoming VAT, Corporation Tax, or significant cash outflows Work closely with external accountants, alongside the MD, where appropriate

Systems, technology & improvement

Take a

tech-first approach

to finance Use and explore automation, digital tools, and AI where appropriate to improve efficiency, accuracy, and insight Build, improve, and document finance systems and processes Strengthen links between electronic job management systems, operational platforms, and finance Constantly look for ways to add value through better data and processes

What this role is not

No line management responsibility No expectation to set business strategy or targets Not a remote-only role -- this is an embedded position within the business Not a purely strategic or hands-off role -- this is a hands-on SME finance position

About you

You will have

proven experience in an SME finance or accounts role

and a practical understanding of how finance supports a growing business day to day.

You are

naturally inquisitive

, keen to understand what sits behind the numbers, and comfortable asking questions to ensure data is accurate and makes sense.

You are

hands-on and detail-focused

, happy to own the finance function end-to-end -- from core bookkeeping and reconciliations through to month-end close and management reporting.

You are

confident posting journals

, maintaining clean ledgers, and producing reliable management accounts. You are comfortable interrogating the numbers and taking responsibility for their accuracy.

You are

forward-thinking and comfortable with technology

, open to new systems, automation, and improvements that add real value.

You are

proactive, organised, and improvement-driven

, always looking for better ways to work rather than accepting "how it's always been done".

You enjoy

working closely with a Managing Director and operational teams

, are comfortable being embedded in the business, and take pride in being a trusted and reliable point of contact for all financial matters.

Qualifications:

Qualified by experience (QBE) or AAT / ACCA / CIMA (part-qualified or qualified).
Capability, judgement, and mindset matter more than formal qualifications.

Progression & opportunity

This role offers

genuine progression potential

. For the right person, there is scope to grow with the business and take on more senior finance responsibilities over time as the company continues to scale.

Why join us

Fast-growing, forward-thinking SME in a growing industry Family business where each team member is valued Tech-first mindset with openness to AI and automation Real ownership and influence Close working relationship with the MD and leadership team Flexible working hours Rural working environment On-site gym Holiday buy-back scheme Additional paid holiday for your birthday Office-friendly dogs considered (subject to suitability and behaviour) Opportunity to make a visible, meaningful impact
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 38,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Flexitime Free parking On-site gym On-site parking Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Brampton CA8 2NE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Have you worked in an SME where you were responsible for both day-to-day bookkeeping and month-end management accounts? Which of the following have you personally been responsible for in a previous role?
Bank and balance sheet reconciliations
Posting accruals and prepayments
Producing monthly management accounts
VAT returns
Working with WIP or job-based costing
Improving finance processes or systems

Are you comfortable producing monthly management accounts and standing behind the accuracy of the numbers?
Experience:

Managerial accounting: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brampton, CA8 2NE