Job Description

Finance Manager

Stopford is a fast-growing company delivering intuitive online booking and management systems to local government bodies for over 20 years. Based at Chester's Steam Mill, our team collaborates closely with clients--co-creating scalable, cost-effective solutions that digitally transform services such as registrars, facility bookings, course/event management, and more. Following our Brightmoat acquisition, we're looking for a Finance Manager who can help shape, scale, and modernise our finance function. This role is perfect for someone ambitious, hands-on, and eager to help build and take ownership of a best-in-class finance engine that powers smart decision-making. Whether you're early in your career or already established, if you have the knowledge and skills, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Be Doing:

Budgeting & Reporting

? Prepare the annual budgets and rolling forecasts

? Track performance against budget, providing clear monthly budget variance reports with guided commentary.

? Produce accurate monthly management reports

Cashflow & Working Capital

? Monitor day-to-day cashflow, highlighting risks and opportunities

? Track receivables and payables to ensure good working capital discipline

? Prepare the bi-weekly to quarterly cashflow forecasts

Finance Operations

? Work closely with external accountants to manage month-end and year-end closing processes, prepare accurate financial statements, and ensure timely submission of annual returns and tax filings to HMRC.

? Accurately manage and record deferred revenue in line with accounting standards, ensuring timely recognition of income as services are delivered and contracts are fulfilled.

? Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and expenses

? Support payroll and other routine finance tasks

? Partner with department heads to uncover cost efficiencies and growth opportunities

? Ensure compliance with UK tax, statutory, and Group policies

Business Support

? Work with department heads to provide financial insights

? Identify cost-saving opportunities and help improve processes

? Provide clear reporting to help decision-making across the business

? Play a key role in assisting Senior Leaders within Stopford with your financial knowledge and insights

Systems & Automation

? Research and advise on implementing modern finance systems (ERP, BI)

? Drive chosen automation systems and deliver real-time insights for the Senior Leadership team

What We're Looking For:

Education & Experience

? Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field

? 1-3 years' experience in a finance or accounting role

? Strong Excel/Google Sheets skills; comfort with basic financial modelling

? Proficient in Sage, Xero, or other ERP/accounting systems, with the ability to adapt quickly to new platforms.

? Confident with collaboration tools (MS 365, Google Workspace, project management platforms).

? A proactive, hands-on approach and eagerness to learn

? Exposure or knowledge of finance systems/automation tools, or an AI tool is a must.

? Experience in a SaaS/software business (desirable)

Personal Qualities

? Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail

? Passion for automation and process improvement

? Collaborative and open to feedback

? Curious, adaptable, and eager to grow

? Can clearly articulate ideas and insights, both verbally and in writing.

? Ambitious and willing to roll up your sleeves

What you'll get:

? Salary: 30,000 - 40,000 (DOE) pro rata

? Hours: 30 - 37.5 hours per week (0.8 FTE - 1 FT)

? Hybrid working: 2 days per week in our Chester office

? Annual leave: 22 days + bank holidays (increasing with service up to 25)

? Medicash: Level 2 Proactive Health Cash Plan (up to 4 children included free)

? EAP: 24/7 access to Bupa's helpline

? Culture: Supportive, transparent, and down-to-earth with regular updates and team events

? Dress code: Casual - bring your best self, not just your best suit

Who You'll Work With:

? This role is a standalone role

? Your line manager will be the Managing Director

? You will have a focus of building professional close-knit relationships with the Senior Leadership Team

? There will be collaboration with all shareholders, inclusive of the Group finance team (Brightmoat HQ)

We are continuing to shape this role and may adjust, pause, or withdraw this job posting at any time. The details shared are provided as a guide only and may change as our requirements evolve. This advertisement does not constitute a binding offer of employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 30,000.00-40,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 - 37.5 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

Chester CH3 5AN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you have Software / SaaS industry experience? Do you have exposure to automating at least one key finance process? Do you have experience or knowledge of deferred revenue?
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chester CH3 5AN

Reference ID: Stopford-Finance-Manager