Senior Finance Manager

Manchester, Lancashire
Mantra Learning

Senior Finance Manager

£50-65k pro rata – This is a part time role (20 – 25 hours per week)

We are The Mantra Group, comprised of Mantra Learning, The National Logistics Academy, and Rockbarr. Mantra Learning Ltd is the UK’s leading Logistics learning and development organisation, with 52 years of industry recognition. In July 2016 Mantra launched the National Logistics Academy to provide training, apprenticeships, and workforce development to large, levy paying national logistics employers through a nationwide network of specialist logistics training providers. Rockbarr is a Logistics and Distribution company focusing on warehousing Solutions.

Together, we provide support and development to help people and change lives and work with some of the biggest brands in the country, including Wincanton, Aldi, Travis Perkins, Ceva and Eddie Stobart. Mantra Learning and The National Logistics Academy provide high quality Apprenticeship and Skills training and have both been awarded an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’. The Mantra Group has a combined turnover of £11 million with scope for growth. This includes an ongoing £5 million contract with the Department for Education to deliver HGV Skills Bootcamps; delivering fully-funded training nationally for HGV licence acquisition, in response to national HGV driver shortages.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Finance Manager to join our team. This is a new role created due to extension and growth of significant Government contracts. The role would suit an ex-CFO or very experienced Senior Finance Manager now looking for a part-time role. The successful applicant will have line report of the Finance Team Leader, who in turn manages an established and highly competent Finance Team of 6 staff members. Working 20-25 hours a week based in Middleton, hybrid working is available for this role.

The Role

As a senior finance Manager you will provide support and guidance to the Finance Team Leader and to the wider Mantra Group. With a strong focus on compliance to financial policies and regulations, you will ensure monthly and annual accounts are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

As a Senior Finance Manager your duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Monitor and develop financial policies and procedures
• Oversee HMRC compliance, including PAYE, VAT returns and corporation tax
• Provide insight, advice and recommendations to Senior Management Team to support strategic decision making
• Ensure that financial management policies and procedures adhere to regulatory standards
• Final preparation and approval of monthly Management Accounts
• Manage the budget process from planning through to approval
• Liaise with external accountants and auditors
• Manage and coach Finance Team Leader; liaising as required on transactional concerns and process development

Job requirements

Education and Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures
• Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills
• CIMA/ACCA or equivalent qualification/proven experience
• High proficiency in MS Excel and use of Accounting software (experience using Xero desirable)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years Senior Finance Management (essential)
• Experience in a Further Education environment (beneficial)
• Experience of working with government contracts (beneficial)

Person Specification

Personal Skills and General Competencies

• As a senior finance manager you will need to be a strong team player who works collaboratively with colleagues
• Demonstrates a positive attitude, focuses on a ‘can do’ way of thinking, and is willing to accept new challenges
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills; ability to inspire and upskill colleagues
• Demonstrates creative thinking when solving problems, establishes the issue and options available and has confidence in decision making
• Good organisational and planning skills; able to co-ordinate multiple projects and competing demands.
• Equipped with strong and effective communication and interpersonal skills; listens for understanding and expresses information clearly and concisely
• Analytical; you can think strategically, and you can handle complexity
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written); ability to maintain utmost respectful professional internal and external relationships, even under pressure.
• Very high attention to detail and high standard of accuracy.

The package

• £50k-65k pro rata DOE
• 23 days holidays pro rata plus bank holidays
• Free parking
• Pension scheme
• Onsite café
• Discretionary profit related bonus scheme
• Subsidised team social events

Mantra Learning Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex and sexual orientation.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all leaners and expects all staff to share this commitment. We also prioritise the safeguarding and welfare of all staff.

The successful applicant will be required to agree to all necessary checks such as providing sufficient employment references and providing proof of the right to work in the UK. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out for all successful applicants.

If this is the role you’re looking for please apply today!

Please email your CV and cover letter to