Finance Manager

This isn't just a numbers role

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on strategic Finance Manager who can give our leadership team absolute confidence in our numbers - and help us use them to make better decisions.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is going through an exciting period of change and growth. We are improving how we use data and technology, and challenging ourselves to become more commercially sustainable.

We need a Finance Manager who wants to be part of that journey.

You'll personally own our core finance function, but we don't simply want someone who tells us what happened last month. We want someone who can tell us why it happened, what it means, what happens next and what we could do differently.

What you'll be responsible for

You'll take hands-on responsibility for:

• budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management;
• scenario modelling to support strategic and commercial decisions;
• payroll oversight, VAT, financial controls and compliance;
• year-end preparation and liaison with our external auditors;
• providing clear, insightful financial reporting to our Senior Leadership Team and Board;
• investigating variances and being prepared to rework and delve deeper into figures when questions arise;
• identifying financial risks, trends and opportunities early;
• help with the development of all systems and helping us explore how technology, automation and AI can make our financial processes and reporting more efficient.
• supporting the CEO and Integrator with the financial intelligence needed to drive organisational performance;
• coaching and developing our Finance Assistant and building resilience within the finance function; and
• helping us explore how technology, automation and AI can make our financial processes and reporting more efficient.

The person we're looking for

Accuracy and process discipline are essential, but they aren't enough.

You'll probably be naturally analytical, structured and detail-focused. You will enjoy getting underneath a number that doesn't quite make sense and won't be satisfied until you understand it.

But you'll also need to be comfortable operating beyond the spreadsheet.

We need someone who:

• constructively challenges the CEO and SLT;
• communicates financial information confidently in plain English;
• is comfortable presenting to and being questioned by Board members;
• has the patience to investigate, remodel and explain figures when further questions arise;
• balances strong financial control with commercial thinking;
• asks "How could we make this work?", rather than automatically finding reasons why something cannot;
• embraces change and helps others implement it successfully;
• holds people accountable while remaining approachable and supportive;
• enjoys developing less-experienced colleagues and sharing their knowledge;
• is curious about technology, automation and AI and how these can improve the finance function; and
• wants to be an active member of a close-knit leadership team.

An accountancy qualification would be welcomed, but it isn't the deciding factor. For us, demonstrable experience and capability matter more. You may be professionally qualified, qualified by experience, or have developed your expertise through a combination of both.

How the role works

This is a predominantly office-based role at our Telford office because we believe our leadership team works best when we are genuinely connected.

There can be occasional home working once you are established, but you'll be an important source of expertise for colleagues and a core member of our SLT.

Recruitment process

Finding the right person and leadership fit is important to us.

Our recruitment process will therefore look at both technical capability and behavioural fit. As part of the process, shortlisted candidates will complete a DISC behavioural assessment, alongside an interview and a practical finance/scenario exercise.

Pay: £24,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person