Accounts Manager

Job Title: Accounts Manager
Location: Derby (On-site, Full-Time)
Salary: Up to £35,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
Job Type: Permanent

About the Role

Macildowie is delighted to be partnering with a growing SME based in Derby to recruit an experienced and hands-on Accounts Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional looking to take ownership of a company's financial function while having the autonomy to assess and improve existing processes.

This is a full-time, fully on-site position - perfect for someone who thrives in a close-knit, collaborative business environment where your contribution genuinely matters.

What You'll Be Doing

As Accounts Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day running of the finance function while also supporting longer-term strategic planning. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing all aspects of transactional finance: purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliations, and payroll
• Preparing monthly management accounts, reports, and financial statements
• Ensuring timely and accurate VAT returns and HMRC compliance
• Supporting budgeting and cash flow forecasting activities
• Assessing current financial systems and controls, identifying gaps or inefficiencies, and implementing improvements
• Acting as the liaison for external accountants, auditors, and financial partners
• Providing insights and analysis to support business decision-making

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who's confident managing the full finance function and eager to make things better. We're looking for:

• Previous experience in an Accounts Manager or Finance Manager role, ideally within an SME environment
• AAT qualified as a minimum (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA part/fully qualified a bonus but not essential)
• Good working knowledge of UK accounting standards, VAT, and payroll
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Sage, Xero, QuickBooks)
• Strong attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset, and excellent organisational skills
• A proactive approach to process review and improvement

What's on Offer

• A salary of up to £35,000, with flexibility to negotiate for the right experience
• A key role within a stable, supportive, and forward-thinking SME
• The opportunity to implement change and shape financial operations
• On-site working in a friendly, collaborative environment
• Long-term career development potential

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Macildowie is a specialist recruitment consultancy with a rich history of enhancing the careers of professionals across the Midlands and the Northern Home Counties. We have an unrivalled understanding of the local market place and recruit for the majority of the region's premier employers. To search for all of our live jobs please visit us at macildowie.com.