Finance and Payroll Manager

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Finance & Payroll Manager (standalone) to take full ownership of the finance function in a standalone role. This is the sole finance position within the business, responsible for managing all aspects of finance, from transactional processing through to management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and payroll.

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating independently and will take responsibility for both day-to-day financial operations and providing commercial and strategic financial insight to support business decision-making.

This is a key role within the business, working closely with the Owner and offering the opportunity to grow into a full-time position as the company expands.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Operations

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the finance function.
• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Process supplier payments and monitor cash flow.
• Perform bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Manage all direct and indirect tax compliance activities, ensuring accurate records are maintained to support Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, and other statutory tax requirements.
• Ensure all tax-related transactions are accurately recorded, reconciled, and maintained in accordance with HMRC requirements.
• Maintain and reconcile company credit card expenditure.
• Ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded and processed in a timely manner.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes.

Payroll

• Take full ownership of the monthly payroll process from start to finish.
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure data accuracy.
• Process new starters, leavers, salary changes, statutory payments, and deductions.
• Produce and distribute payslips.
• Administer workplace pensions and ensure compliance with pension regulations.
• Complete HMRC submissions and payroll reconciliations.
• Ensure accurate application of PAYE, National Insurance, statutory deductions, Benefits in Kind, and other payroll taxation requirements.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax reporting and statutory returns in accordance with HMRC deadlines and legislative requirements.
• Provide guidance and support on employee tax matters, including P11Ds, expenses, benefits, and payroll-related taxation queries.
• Produce and issue P45s, P60s and P11Ds in line with statutory requirements and deadlines.
• Manage payroll year-end processes.
• Respond to employee payroll queries professionally and confidentially.
• Ensure payroll compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
• Prepare payroll reports and reconciliations for management and external advisers as required.

Financial Reporting & Planning

• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for presentation to the Owner.
• Develop annual budgets and periodic forecasts.
• Monitor financial performance and provide meaningful variance analysis.
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to support business planning and decision-making.
• Monitor working capital and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Support tax planning activities and provide analysis of tax implications relating to business decisions, investments, and commercial opportunities.
• Monitor tax liabilities and cash flow implications to support effective financial planning and forecasting.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal controls.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, banks, and professional advisers as required.
• Support year-end accounting and audit processes.
• Maintain and improve finance policies, procedures, and financial controls.
• Take ownership of the company's tax compliance obligations, ensuring accurate and timely submissions and reporting to HMRC.
• Manage all direct and indirect tax matters, including Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, National Insurance, P11Ds, Benefits in Kind, and other statutory tax reporting requirements.
• Prepare information and supporting documentation required for Corporation Tax returns and work closely with external accountants and tax advisers as required.
• Act as the primary point of contact for HMRC and external advisers regarding tax-related matters, enquiries, and audits.
• Monitor changes in UK tax legislation and assess the impact on the business, implementing necessary changes to processes, controls, and payroll practices.
• Support tax planning initiatives and identify opportunities to improve tax efficiency whilst ensuring full compliance with legislation.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems and processes.
• Support business projects and undertake ad hoc financial analysis as requested by the Owner.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the finance function as the business grows.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a standalone finance role or as the sole finance professional within an SME environment.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll.
• Strong knowledge of bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, National Insurance, P11Ds, management accounts, budgeting, financial reporting, and UK tax compliance.
• Experience managing the full month-end process.
• Demonstrable experience managing corporate and payroll tax matters, including Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, HMRC compliance, and statutory tax reporting requirements.
• Strong Excel and financial systems experience.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) preferred.
• Qualified by experience candidates with significant standalone finance and payroll experience will also be considered.
• Advanced experience managing UK tax compliance, including Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, Benefits in Kind, and HMRC reporting requirements.
• Experience using Sage 50 Accounts and Sage Payroll (or similar accounting and payroll software).
• Previous experience within an SME or growing business environment.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Hands-on and willing to take ownership.
• Positive, flexible, and proactive approach.
• Commercially minded with strong analytical skills.
• Trustworthy, discreet, and able to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently.

Working Arrangements

• Based in South Kensington.
• Hybrid working available, with one day per week working from home following successful onboarding.
• Sole finance role with responsibility for the entire finance and payroll function.
• Opportunity to build and develop the finance function as the business grows.
• Potential for the role to become full-time in the future.

Pay: £36,000.00-£42,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person