Finance Manager job at Widnes Full Time

About the role

Denca is entering an exciting new phase of growth following its acquisition by Axel Johnson International. The company is looking for a confident, hands-on Finance Manager to lead and develop the finance and administrative function for a UK business with approximately £10–20m in net sales.

This is a central role of the company, reporting directly to the Managing Director, with one direct report in administration. The Finance Manager will act as a key business partner to the MD and management team, helping to strengthen financial reporting, business steering, internal controls, processes and group compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the finance and administrative function for the UK entity.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and KPI reporting, including sustainability data, to the parent company in Sweden.
• Establish a reliable monthly close process, including reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reviews.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis to support business performance and decisionmaking.
• Act as a speaking partner to the MD and management team on financial performance and business development.
• Support project accounting, including project cost tracking, revenue recognition, WIP/deferred revenue and project profitability.
• Develop internal controls, routines and finance processes suitable for a growing UK company within a larger international group.
• Manage UK tax and payroll-related compliance, including VAT returns, PAYE/National Insurance Contributions, pension reporting and Corporation Tax information for external advisors.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax advisors and other professional partners, including preparation for the first statutory audit in 2026.
• Improve and support finance systems, reporting tools and ERP/accounting processes.
• Take a hands-on role in day-to-day finance administration when needed, including supplier invoices, customer payments and reconciliations.
• Manage and support one direct report in administration.

Candidate profile / requirements

• Relevant accounting education or professional finance background, qualified, part-qualified or qualified by experience accountant (e.g. ACCA or CIMA). Minimum 5 years of relevant accounting or finance experience.
• Experience running or managing the finance function of a small to medium-sized UK company(£10–20m in net sales).
• Good understanding of UK finance processes, including VAT, PAYE/National Insurance Contributions, payroll-related reporting and statutory accounts.
• Experience preparing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis in a corporate environment will be a significant part of the role and experience of such is beneficial.
• Experience in project accounting is a strong advantage.
• Experience working with external auditors, accountants or tax advisors.
• Strong Excel and systems skills; experience with Xero or ERP/accounting systems is advantageous.
• IFRS knowledge or experience from an international group environment is advantageous.
• Experience from project-based, engineering, manufacturing, automation, construction or technical services businesses would be beneficial.
• Comfortable working hands-on in an SME environment while building stronger corporate reporting and control processes.

Personal qualities

We are looking for a down-to-earth, confident and proactive finance professional with strong integrity and a high sense of ownership. The right person is hands-on and pragmatic, but also enjoys building structure, improving processes and developing routines for the future.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative business partner who can build trust with the MD, management team, employees, external advisors and group finance stakeholders. They should be solutions-oriented, team-focused and motivated by playing a central role in an exciting growth journey within an international group.

Pay: £55,000.00-£70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person