Finance Manager

Finance Manager Part of a PE-Backed Group Location: Bedford, Bedfordshire | Hybrid (3 days in the office, 2 days from home) Package: Up to £75,000 + Benefits Nirvana Search is exclusively partnering with a successful and dynamic Bedford-based business, which forms part of a wider Private Equity-backed group, to recruit a versatile, hands-on Finance Manager. This is a true all-encompassing role that sits at the heart of the business. Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will take full ownership of the day-to-day finance function and lead a small, dedicated team, all while benefiting from the backing, stability and ambition of a wider PE portfolio. Perfect for a highly capable finance professional who thrives in a broad, varied position, this role blends team leadership, core financial control, commercial project accounting and operational oversight. You will ensure the foundational numbers are rock solid while supporting the wider business with clear reporting and project insights. You will be responsible for:

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop a finance team of 3 staff, overseeing their day-to-day workload, guiding transactional processes and supporting their professional growth.
• Management Accounting: Take full ownership of the end-to-end month-end process, producing accurate, timely management accounts with detailed commentary and variance analysis.
• Financial Accounts & Reporting: Lead the preparation of statutory accounts, manage the year-end audit process, and ensure all group financial reporting meets regulatory standards.
• Project Accounting: Partner closely with operational teams to track project costs, monitor budgets, and evaluate project profitability to ensure commercial targets are met.
• Payroll Oversight: Manage and oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timely delivery, and full compliance.
• Financial Control & Operations: Maintain a robust control environment, managing working capital, cash flow forecasting, and day-to-day transactional finance oversight. Knowledge and Experience We are looking for a reliable, technically strong accountant who enjoys a diverse workload and is comfortable managing the A-Z of a finance function.
• Qualifications: A fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or a highly experienced candidate Qualified by Experience (QBE).
• People Management: Proven experience managing, motivating, and developing a small finance team.
• Broad Experience: A proven track record in an all-round Finance Manager role, comfortable handling everything from high-level reporting to operational payroll.
• PE Exposure: Previous experience operating within a Private Equity-backed environment or reporting up into a group structure is highly advantageous.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong core accounting skills with specific experience in project accounting and cost tracking.
• Systems Savvy: Strong Excel skills with the ability to navigate and improve existing financial systems and reporting templates. Personal Skills & Attributes
• Hands-On Leader: A "player-manager" who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get into the detail while effectively delegating and managing the team's wider deadlines.
• Strong Communicator: Able to explain financial performance and project metrics clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Highly Organised: Capable of balancing multiple distinct responsibilities - from statutory reporting to payroll - without dropping the ball. If you are looking for a highly varied, autonomous role where you can truly own the finance function and lead a great team, apply to Nirvana Search today to arrange a confidential chat.