Finance Manager - Bristol

£65,000-£75,000 - Financial Controller
Ref: 852 Date Posted: Tuesday 24 Feb 2026

Finance Manager 

South Bristol | Standalone role | Partnering directly with the CEO

A successful and growing SME in South Bristol is looking for a hands-on Finance Manager / Management Accountant to take full ownership of the finance function.

This is a genuine “cradle to grave” opportunity — ideal for someone who enjoys being at the centre of a business, having real influence, and seeing the direct impact of their work.

You’ll operate as the financial right hand to the CEO, providing the insight, structure and commercial challenge to support the next phase of growth, while also ensuring the day-to-day numbers run smoothly.

For the right person, this role offers a clear route to Finance Director as the business scales.

The role

With no existing team in place, you’ll have complete responsibility for the finance cycle — from transactional oversight through to strategic planning and analysis.

Your remit will include:

  • Producing monthly management accounts and meaningful performance insight

  • Full ownership of cashflow, forecasting and budgeting

  • Maintaining accurate financial records and strong financial controls

  • Managing VAT, HMRC compliance, statutory accounts and the year-end process

  • Acting as the key point of contact for auditors, banks and external advisers

  • Partnering with the CEO and senior stakeholders to support commercial decision-making

  • Financial modelling, scenario planning and cost optimisation

  • Identifying and implementing process and systems improvements as the business grows

About you

  • Fully qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or operating at that level

  • Experience in a broad, hands-on finance role — ideally within an SME or owner-managed environment

  • Comfortable operating both strategically and in the detail

  • Commercially aware, proactive and solutions-focused

  • Someone who enjoys building structure, improving processes and being the go-to person for all things finance

  • Strong communicator who can translate numbers into clear, practical insight