Job Description

STRICTLY NO AGENCY

Founded in 2000, The Festive Lighting Company is a key player in the Commercial lighting industry across the UK and Ireland dedicated to the supply, hire, repair and storage of seasonal lighting and decoration. We are specialists in large scale lighting projects where we help towns, cities, BIDs, shopping destinations and businesses deliver experiences that online retail never can. We are committed to seeking innovation, excellence, and providing top-quality services to our clients. Due to continued business growth we are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Finance Manager to join our growing team.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a motivated and results-driven Finance Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will take ownership of the finance function and be responsible for day-to-day financial management, reporting, and compliance. In a small business setting, this role includes both high-level financial oversight and execution of transactional finance tasks typically performed by a Finance Assistant.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Reporting:

Prepare and post monthly accruals, prepayments and similar accounting entries. Lead on / prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for leadership. Monitor cashflow and manage cash forecasting. Support the budgeting and forecasting process. Prepare year-end accounts, liaising with FOD and external accountants. Manage VAT returns, PAYE, and other HMRC submissions. Maintain accurate financial records in Xero, cross checking with Inventory / Ordering CRM. Management of Cost base, challenging as appropriate any expenditure in line with the company's long term strategic goals.

Compliance and Governance:

Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements including VAT, payroll, PIVA and deferment requirements. Create / maintain up to date financial policies and procedures.

Transactional Finance:

Ordering and invoicing: Prepare and send customer invoices that cannot be sent through the Saas order system. Actively review and chase debtors, raising any concerns to the FOD. Review purchase orders and follow up on lead times. Check items supplied against delivery note and take up discrepancies with the supplier via in-house channels. Certify invoices for payment and send monthly payment runs to FOD for approval as a delegation of duty compliance. Ensure supplier accounts are kept up to date and agreed to monthly statements received. Ensure all invoices and relevant paperwork are kept on electronic file. Manage and maintain the finance Outlook inbox, raising any concerns with the FOD. Be the key user of Xero within the Company. Reconcile and bank all monies received in Xero, agreeing monthly to the bank statements. Make day to day decisions regarding cost centre/ledger code allocations, including journaling money, if necessary, in consultation with the FOD. Daily/monthly/annual reconciliations - bringing any issues and concerns to the attention of the FOD. Ensure all required receipts are received for employee corporate credit cards / personal business spend and chase up any missing documents, raising with the FOD where necessary. Monitor all invoices and supplier account statements received, raising any spending concerns with the FOD. Maintain the company asset register for all equipment. Multi-currency bank, Ebury, credit card, customer, and supplier account reconciliations. Liaise with contractors, suppliers, customers, and employees on any finance/purchase order queries as they arise. Other tasks as required by the needs of the business.

Business Support:

Provide financial insights and advice to support strategic decision-making. Ensure the finance office is running efficiently on a day-today basis: Support with incoming telephone calls and maintain the first point of contact for the finance line. Ensure the team are actively using the purchase order system for all orders. Other tasks as required by the needs of the business. Support with general HR administration.

Required:

Proven experience in a finance/accounting role within a UK SME. Strong understanding of UK financial regulations, VAT, and payroll processes. Proficiency in cloud-based accounting system Xero. Ability to work independently and take ownership of the finance function. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. Part-qualified or fully qualified (AAT / ACCA / CIMA / ACA) or qualified by experience.

Desirable:

Experience working in a similar hybrid finance manager/assistant role.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary (dependant on experience) and benefits package.

A dynamic and supportive work environment. The chance to be part of a forward-thinking company Free onsite parking Company pension Life cover 2x salary Health cash plan 20 days annual leave + bank holidays
Part-time (4-day week) will be considered for the right candidate.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to zoe@festivelighting.co.uk / via Indeed by COP Sunday June 1st 2025 STRICTLY NO AGENCY

The Festive Lighting Company is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 38,500.00-40,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Performance bonus
Benefits:

Company pension Free flu jabs Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 01/06/2025