Finance Assistant (public sector)

Reed Finance is recruiting on behalf of our global client for an experienced FP&A Accountant to join their expanding team. This role will initially be on a long-term, interim basis however could likely be made permanent for the right person. Day-to-day of the role: Support in the development, implementation and maintenance of an accounting system, ensuring integration of data into reporting tools such as Power BI. Provide business reports to senior management, including variance analysis and forecasting guidance, helping leaders understand risks and opportunities. Support the consolidated budget process, providing meaningful commentary and analysis. Own key elements of month-end reporting submissions. Participate in annual audits and special projects. Required Skills & Qualifications: A minimum of 5 years of relevant financial experience in a large, multi-currency environment. Strong numeracy skills, comfortable working with different currencies and applying exchange rates. Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records. Good time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and meet tight deadlines. Good interpersonal skills, flexibility, proactive approach, and the ability to thrive in a complex and dynamic environment. Strong IT skills including Excel and proven experience with ERP packages. Our client are looking to shortlist immediately, so please apply now for further information.

Reed Finance is delighted to be partnering with a growing and well‑established organisation to recruit an experienced Interim Finance Manager to support a critical finance transformation on a temporary basis. This is a high-impact role, effectively operating at Interim Financial Controller / Head of Finance level, where you will play a key role in stabilising the finance function, improving systems and processes, and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. You will work closely with the CFO and wider Finance team to drive improvements within Microsoft Dynamics Business Central and support a broader 90-day turnaround plan. This is a fast-paced, hands-on position suited to a technically strong and commercially aware finance professional who is comfortable working in environments requiring structure, clarity, and rapid improvement. Duties Include: Partner with the current Financial Controller to identify and resolve ERP issues within Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. Map processes, diagnose system and reporting weaknesses, and implement practical solutions. Train and support finance and operational staff to ensure consistent and accurate use of Business Central. Take ownership of reconciling the Balance Sheet and improving financial control. Lead the production of monthly Management Accounts, ensuring completion by working day 7. Support the development of robust financial reporting, systems, and infrastructure. Assist in stabilising and developing the finance team during a period of change. Support the Fractional CFO with project work aligned to a 90-day turnaround plan. Contribute to the preparation of integrated three-way forecasts (P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow). Produce and review cash flow reporting, providing insight and challenge where needed. Ensure continuity and operational effectiveness within the finance function. Support handover to a permanent Financial Controller or Head of Finance where applicable. Requirements: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with ideally 5+ years PQE or more. Proven experience operating at Financial Controller or Head of Finance level in an interim or contract capacity. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central (essential). Demonstrable experience improving ERP systems, processes, and financial reporting accuracy. Ability to produce Management Accounts from incomplete or developing financial data. Strong background in balance sheet control and reconciliation. Experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments requiring delivery and transformation. Confident communicator with the ability to train and influence stakeholders across the business. The Business: The organisation operates within the construction and manufacturing sector and is currently undergoing a period of transformation and process improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in a business requiring strong financial leadership, systems expertise, and operational rigour. Salary & Benefits: Day rate of c. £350 per day PAYE or c. £450 per day via umbrella. Site-based role in Milton Keynes (circa 40 hours per week) Immediate start required – candidates must be immediately available or on a short notice period (1–2 weeks maximum). If the above sounds like your next opportunity, please send your up-to-date CV or contact Nathan at the Reed Milton Keynes office for more information.

Reed Finance are pleased to be supporting a successful, impactful and renowned SME business in their search for a new Financial Controller. This pivotal role will oversee the financial operations of the company whilst operating commercially and operationally alongside the Managing Director. The successful candidate will ideally be au fait with an SME environment and have the ability to undertake a broad and strategically focused role. Day-to-day of the role: Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Develop and implement financial strategies to support the company’s growth and profitability. Prepare and present financial reports to the Directors. Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and standards. Manage cash flow, including monitoring and forecasting. Coordinate and lead the annual audit process. Provide financial analysis and insights to support business decisions. Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and tax advisors. Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Required Skills & Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent Strong knowledge of financial regulations and accounting standards. Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional communication and leadership skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Previous experience within an SME environment where adaptation and multitasking are common and critical This is a wonderful opportunity to join a growing SME in an integral capacity with fantastic scope for the future. Please apply directly or contact Daniel Cornes at Reed Finance to discuss further. Please note this is an office based position.

Cost Accountant Location: Grimsby (with hybrid working options) Sector: FMCG Salary: Competitive + benefits The Opportunity We are partnering with a leading, well-established FMCG business based in Grimsby, known for its strong market presence, continuous investment, and commitment to operational excellence. Due to ongoing growth, they are seeking a commercially minded Cost Accountant to join their high-performing finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive finance professional looking to play a key role in driving cost efficiency, supporting decision-making, and influencing operational performance within a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Monitor, analyse, and report on product and operational costs across the business Prepare accurate cost models, standard costing, and variance analysis Work closely with production and operations teams to improve cost control and efficiency Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes Identify cost-saving opportunities and provide actionable insights to senior stakeholders Maintain and improve costing systems and processes Support month-end reporting, including inventory valuations and reconciliations About You Qualified, part-qualified, or qualified by experience (CIMA/ACCA/ACA desirable) Previous experience in a manufacturing or FMCG environment is essential Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and inventory management Confident communicator with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for detail Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement approach What’s on Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Hybrid working model Opportunity to join a market-leading FMCG business Strong career progression and development opportunities Supportive and collaborative working environment Apply Now If you’re a driven Cost Accountant looking to make a tangible impact in a dynamic FMCG setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Cost Accountant Location: Grimsby (with hybrid working options) Sector: FMCG Salary: Competitive + benefits The Opportunity We are partnering with a leading, well-established FMCG business based in Grimsby, known for its strong market presence, continuous investment, and commitment to operational excellence. Due to ongoing growth, they are seeking a commercially minded Cost Accountant to join their high-performing finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive finance professional looking to play a key role in driving cost efficiency, supporting decision-making, and influencing operational performance within a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Monitor, analyse, and report on product and operational costs across the business Prepare accurate cost models, standard costing, and variance analysis Work closely with production and operations teams to improve cost control and efficiency Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes Identify cost-saving opportunities and provide actionable insights to senior stakeholders Maintain and improve costing systems and processes Support month-end reporting, including inventory valuations and reconciliations About You Qualified, part-qualified, or qualified by experience (CIMA/ACCA/ACA desirable) Previous experience in a manufacturing or FMCG environment is essential Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and inventory management Confident communicator with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for detail Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement approach What’s on Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Hybrid working model Opportunity to join a market-leading FMCG business Strong career progression and development opportunities Supportive and collaborative working environment Apply Now If you’re a driven Cost Accountant looking to make a tangible impact in a dynamic FMCG setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Senior Accounts Assistant / Practice Accountant Cheltenham £40,000 Full-time The Role Reed A&F is exclusively partnering with an accountancy practice who are seeking an experienced Senior Accounts Assistant / Practice Accountant to join the team. This is a broad, hands-on position where you will manage your own workload and work largely independently, with significant flexibility around remote working. About the Company A well-established accountancy practice with over 30 years of success, this close-knit firm is experiencing a busy period of growth. They pride themselves on supporting a diverse portfolio of small businesses and offering a flexible, supportive working environment. Key Responsibilities • Processing end-to-end payroll (a key focus of the role) • Preparing year end and month end statutory accounts • Supporting with monthly management accounts including: o Posting journals (accruals, prepayments, adjustments) o Balance sheet reconciliations o Producing profit & loss reports o Assisting with month-end close processes • Managing day-to-day bookkeeping for a portfolio of clients: o Maintaining accurate financial records o Bank reconciliations o Sales and purchase ledger processing • Preparing and submitting VAT returns: o Ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations o Reviewing transactions and resolving discrepancies o Working across different VAT schemes • Working with accounting software including Sage and Xero, knowledge of IRIS is bonus • Supporting the wider team with general accounting tasks as needed About You Previous experience within an accountancy practice (not necessarily most recent role, but must have been gained previously) ACA or ACCA qualified Strong knowledge of payroll processing Confident working independently and remotely Self-motivated, organised, and able to “get stuck in” Experience managing multiple clients, ideally SMEs hands on experience with bookkeeping and VAT returns What’s on Offer Salary £40,000 Flexible working Remote-first environment (days in the office dependent on experience) Friendly, supportive team culture Opportunity to take ownership of your workload in a trusted environment This role will require two days a week in the office to start, and then once you are caught up to speed it will go to once a month in Cheltenham. Please apply if you fit all the requirements and want to take the next step in your practice career

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Finance Administrator to join a busy and supportive finance team. This is a varied role offering exposure across payments, expenses and wider finance operations, suited to someone who is detail-oriented, organised and keen to develop within a fast-paced environment. Key responsibilities: · Processing payments across the wider group accurately and on time · Managing employee expenses, ensuring compliance with policy and deadlines · Providing administrative support across the finance function as required · Supporting departmental cover during peak periods or absences · Assisting with administration relating to the company car fleet What we’re looking for: · Previous experience in a similar finance or accounts role · Strong numerical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail · Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills (e.g. formulas, data handling) · Methodical approach with the ability to meet tight deadlines · Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritise workload This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build on their existing finance experience within a stable and collaborative team environment.

Assistant Accountant Warwick (office-based) £40,000 – £45,000 A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Assistant Accountant to join a dynamic, multi-entity organisation based on the outskirts of Warwick. This is a varied and hands-on role working closely with senior leadership, offering exposure across multiple business streams and the chance to take real ownership of your work. The role Prepare monthly management accounts across multiple entities Support with VAT returns and compliance requirements Assist the CFO with financial reporting and analysis Manage file uploads, reconciliations, and data processing Work across a variety of accounting systems Contribute to process improvements and day-to-day finance operations About you Experienced in preparing management accounts Strong working knowledge of VAT (CIS experience advantageous) AAT Level 4 qualified or equivalent experience Confident using Excel and accounting systems Highly organised with strong attention to detail Self-motivated with the ability to work independently Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach The opportunity Work across a diverse and interesting portfolio of businesses Gain direct exposure to senior leadership Be part of a collaborative, fast-paced environment where you can make an impact Join a stable organisation offering long-term career development Additional benefits Company pension On-site parking Easily accessible location from the M40 and A46 This is a full-time, office-based position (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm), ideal for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility, and being at the heart of the finance function. If you think you fit the bill please apply online now or email ellen.campbell@reed.com

We are currently seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Credit Controller or Credit Control Supervisor with strong leadership and communication skills, a high level of attention to detail, and a proactive approach to change and process improvement. This is a permanent, fully office based position based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. About the Role As Credit Control Supervisor, you will lead a team of Credit Controllers and take full responsibility for overseeing debt management activities. You will play a key role in maintaining cash flow, minimising risk, and driving improvements within the function. This position is open to experienced managers or senior staff looking to take their first step into management. Key Responsibilities Supervise and support a team of Credit Controllers Manage, negotiate and resolve escalated account issues Monitor customer credit limits and oversee new account set-up Protect the business against bad debt exposure Issue monthly debt collection letters, solicitor correspondence, and initiate legal proceedings where required Raise invoices for customer rebates Process contras and journals Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders Identify and implement process improvements Produce month-end reports and support annual audit requirements What We’re Looking For Previous experience in a similar Credit Control or supervisory role Strong leadership and team management skills High accuracy and attention to detail Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement Self-motivated and able to work effectively within a small team Benefits Full training on systems and internal processes 22 days’ holiday, rising to 25 days after qualifying period (pro-rata for part-time), plus public holidays Pension scheme Life assurance Health cash plan Staff discount scheme Free on-site parking

Accounts Assistant 📍 Liverpool (Office-Based) We’re working with a growing and forward-thinking organisation operating within the property sector, covering areas such as asset management, facilities support, and in-house technology solutions. Due to continued expansion, they are looking to appoint a Finance Assistant to join their Liverpool team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to broaden their experience across day-to-day finance operations while supporting a busy and collaborative finance function. The Role As Finance Assistant, you will play an integral role in supporting transactional finance activities and ensuring the smooth running of financial processes across the business. Key Responsibilities Handle day-to-day processing across sales and purchase ledgers, ensuring all invoices are recorded accurately and promptly using accounting software Manage incoming and outgoing invoices, ensuring correct coding and timely processing Oversee cash-related activities including weekly payment schedules, bank transactions, petty cash and regular reconciliations Assist with credit control by communicating with customers, resolving queries, and supporting cash collection efforts Process employee expenses in line with internal policies, ensuring compliance with company procedures Reconcile supplier accounts and proactively liaise with vendors to investigate and resolve discrepancies Administer company credit card transactions and ensure all expenditure is accounted for appropriately Provide support during month-end close, assisting in the preparation of management accounts Offer finance guidance and support to colleagues across non-finance teams where required Contribute to ad hoc finance tasks and projects as directed by the Finance Manager About You To succeed in this role, you will bring: A solid understanding of accounting principles and bookkeeping practices Strong Excel capability, including use of formulas and building structured spreadsheets Experience with accounting software (Xero experience advantageous but not essential) Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities A high level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when working with numerical data If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Liz Chapman at Reed or apply now!