Assistant Finance Manager
JOB_53712774766506Job type
PermanentLocation
ExeterWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
Part Qualified AccountantIndustry
Manufacturing & ProductionPay
£35,000Closing date
6 Feb 2026
Assistant Finance Manager – Exeter
Your new company
A long‑established and values‑driven organisation with strong roots in its sector is seeking a Deputy Finance Manager to join the team in a key role. The business operates in a hands‑on, product‑focused environment and offers a supportive culture with clear development opportunities.
Your new role
You will work closely with the current Finance Manager in a structured succession plan, with the aim of taking full responsibility for the finance function. Your role will include:
- Supporting and gradually taking ownership of day‑to‑day financial operations including AP/AR, payroll and banking.
- Preparing monthly management accounts, cash flow forecasts and financial reporting.
- Assisting with budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis.
- Managing VAT, PAYE, pensions and other statutory returns.
- Working with external accountants and supporting year‑end processes.
- Providing financial insight across the business to aid decision‑making.
- Maintaining and improving finance systems and processes (including Xero or similar).
This is a broad, hands-on finance role with full end‑to‑end responsibility following the succession period
What you'll need to succeed
- AAT qualification, part‑qualified (CIMA/ACCA/ACA), or strong QBE experience.
- Solid experience in a hands-on finance role with clear ownership of finance processes.
- Confidence in producing management accounts and cash flow forecasts independently.
- Strong technical understanding of VAT, PAYE, pensions and financial controls.
- Ability to manage a standalone finance function after the 12‑month transition.
- Good Excel and accounting systems skills (Xero advantageous).
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non‑finance colleagues.
- A proactive, organised and commercially minded approach.
- An interest in food/production/rural sectors is desirable.
What you'll get in return
- A clear pathway to Finance Manager within 12 months.
- A high‑autonomy role with genuine ownership and visibility.
- Opportunity to work closely with the senior management team.
- Broad exposure across all areas of finance.
- Company pension, employee discounts and free on-site parking.
- The chance to join a stable, well‑established business with strong values and long‑term commitment to its people.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Assistant Finance ManagerJOB_537127747665062026-01-302026-02-06
Talk to Samuel Gorton, the specialist consultant managing this position
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JOB_53712774766506