Finance Manager

Cameron James Professional Recruitment is working with an ambitious and rapidly expanding international food and beverage brand to recruit an experienced, hands-on Finance Manager for its growing UK operation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business at a key stage of its development, working directly with the UK Managing Director and playing an integral role in supporting its continued growth and expansion.

The business currently operates approximately seven company-owned locations across the UK, with plans to increase this, alongside an expanding franchise network. With ambitious plans to develop its UK presence further through new store openings and franchise partnerships, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape the finance function as the business grows.

The role would suit a commercially minded Finance Manager or experienced Management Accountant who enjoys taking ownership, working closely with senior management and combining hands-on accounting responsibilities with financial reporting and business analysis.

The Role

Reporting directly to the UK Managing Director, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day financial management and reporting of the UK business, providing accurate and timely financial information to support commercial decisions and future growth.

Working in a standalone capacity, you will oversee the financial performance of the company's individual locations, alongside the wider UK operation and developing franchise network.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Preparing monthly management accounts, including profit and loss reporting, balance sheets and supporting financial analysis.

- Producing individual store-level financial reports, monitoring sales, margins, operating costs and overall profitability.

- Preparing consolidated financial information and management reports for the wider UK business.

- Managing the day-to-day finance function, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, supplier payments, invoicing and credit control.

- Overseeing bank, credit card, payment provider and sales reconciliations.

- Managing franchise-related financial processes, including royalty invoicing, recharges and associated reporting.

- Preparing cash flow forecasts, budgets and financial projections to support the company's expansion plans.

- Managing VAT returns, payroll coordination, accruals, prepayments and month-end adjustments.

- Monitoring financial performance, identifying trends and providing commercial insight to the UK Managing Director.

- Maintaining and developing the company's Xero accounting system, improving processes, reporting and automation wherever possible.

- Liaising with external accountants and other professional advisers in relation to year-end accounts and statutory requirements.

- Supporting the financial aspects of new store openings, franchise growth and wider business development initiatives.

The Candidate

We are looking for a capable, proactive and commercially aware finance professional who is comfortable taking responsibility for a varied, hands-on accounting role.

Ideally, you will have

- Previous experience as a Finance Manager, Management Accountant or in a similar broad accounting position.

- Strong experience preparing monthly management accounts, including P&L and balance sheet reporting.

- A sound understanding of transactional finance, reconciliations, VAT and month-end accounting.

- Experience using Xero, ideally including reporting and process improvements.

- Good Excel skills and the ability to interpret and communicate financial information.

- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

- A practical, flexible approach and an interest in working within a growing, entrepreneurial business.

Previous experience within hospitality, food and beverage, retail, multi-site operations or a franchise environment would be particularly advantageous, although candidates from other commercial sectors with strong hands-on accounting experience will also be considered.

Applicants who are qualified, part-qualified or qualified by experience are welcome, provided they can demonstrate the necessary technical skills and practical experience.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to become an important part of a growing international business.

Rather than being one member of a large finance department, you will have genuine ownership of the UK finance function, working closely with the Managing Director and gaining direct exposure to the commercial and operational decisions that shape the business.

As the company continues to open new locations and expand its franchise network, there will be opportunities to develop financial processes, improve reporting and contribute directly to its long-term success.

The position offers considerable flexibility, with predominantly Hybrid/ remote working and occasional travel to London for meetings.

If you are an experienced, hands-on finance professional looking for a varied role within an ambitious and expanding business, we would be delighted to hear from you

Please apply with an up-to-date CV for further information and a confidential discussion.