Finance Manager

Overview of role

Company: Speedibake

Location:

We are Speedibake, a Proud Yorkshire Bakery. Established in 1984 we are one of the market leaders in the supply of frozen baked goods and are part of Associated British Foods plc, which is an FTSE 100 company.

This is an exciting role that is right at the heart of the business, you will have the opportunity to deliver insight and drive value in a key area that has a substantial impact on the performance of the business.

Working alongside the wider business, operational teams and senior finance leadership, you will lead the delivery of accurate, timely financial reporting and ensure a robust control environment across the organisation. Providing clear financial insight and challenge, you will build trusted relationships that support effective decision‑making, safeguard the integrity of financial information, and ensure compliance with internal and external requirements. 

Key Accountabilities

Month-End Close & Management Reporting
•    Lead the month-end close process to agreed timetables.
•    Prepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis and commentary.
•    Ensure appropriate accruals, prepayments, provisions, and cut-off controls.
•    Produce clear performance insight for operations and senior leadership.

Balance Sheet Controls & Governance
•    Own balance sheet reconciliations and account ownership framework.
•    Ensure timely clearance of aged and unreconciled items.
•    Maintain audit-ready documentation for all key balance sheet accounts.

Audit & Control Environment
•    Act as primary finance contact for external audits.
•    Support internal audit activity and implement audit actions.
•    Maintain and improve financial controls and process documentation.

Cost Centre Management & Business Partnering
•    Own cost centre reporting and overhead control.
•    Partner with operational leaders to analyse performance and variances.
•    Challenge spend and support business cases for efficiency improvements.

Budgeting & Forecasting
•    Lead the annual budgeting process for P&L, Balance Sheet, Working Capital & Cash Flow
•    Deliver accurate quarterly forecasts with clear assumptions.
•    Provide scenario and sensitivity analysis.

Fixed Asset & Capex Management
•    Oversee Fixed Asset Projects, monitor spend and present a Monthly Capital Meeting to the senior leadership team
•    Ensure accurate and timely capitalization of projects
•    Review and complete capex forms for new projects, providing discounted cash flow workings before submission for senior approval
•    Ensure capex governance and policy compliance.

The Right Person

Skills & Experience
•    Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
•    3-7 years PQE
•    Strong experience in month-end, balance sheet control, and forecasting.
•    Strong Excel and finance systems capability.
•    Ability to influence senior non-finance stakeholders.
Desirable
•    Manufacturing or food/FMCG experience preferred.
•    Experience managing teams
•    Experience in process improvements to support growth
Key Behaviours
•    Strong ownership and accountability.
•    High attention to detail and control mindset.
•    Pro-active, highly organized and technically strong.
•    Commercial curiosity and continuous improvement focus.
•    Confidence to challenge and influence.
•    Clear communication with non-financial stakeholders.