Finance Manager

Location: Brixton, LondonContract: Permanent, On-site, Full-Time Salary: £50,000 + Bonus + BenefitsStart Date: 2 monthsAbout usFull Steam Espresso is one of London’s leading small batch coffee roasters. We are predominately a wholesale business, supplying some of London’s top restaurants and cafes. We believe in environmentally sustainable and ethically traded coffee, and work with partners all over the world who actively engage community-based improvements. Our ethical trading principles ensure that our successes benefit the entire supply chain and beyond, from direct initiatives at origin to local communities here in the UK. We believe that coffee is a force for good!Our valuesWe are coffee enthusiasts, with a passionate for all things coffee, our people, and our clients. Our core values underpin not only who we are but also the way that we operate: 1.     Be straight upBe honest in our interactions and stand for what we believe.2.     Be invested Own the final result not just your inputs and invest rather than transact in relationships.3.     Be fair and fearlessAward opportunity based on merit and seized, seek, and create opportunity. Role overviewWe are looking for a commercially minded and hands-on Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day finance function for Full Steam Espresso. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, managing day to day cash flow, and leading the finance team to deliver a best-in-class finance operation.The Finance Manager will own the month-end process, oversee all core finance activities, and partner with Commercial, Operations and the Executive Team to provide meaningful financial insight that supports business performance and decision-making. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a leadership role with responsibility for developing people, improving processes, and driving operational excellence. Role Responsibilities Financial Reporting & ControlOwn the month-end close process, ensuring accurate management accounts are delivered on time with commentary on performanceReview the monthly management accounts, including P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow, with clear variance analysis against budget.Review all month-end journals, including stock, accruals, prepayments, payroll and fixed assets.Ensure the integrity of the balance sheet through review of monthly reconciliations and control accounts.Responsible for reviewing the work completed by the two finance juniorsMaintain a robust financial control environment and ensure compliance with FRS 102 and internal accounting policies.Cash Flow & Working CapitalOwn the weekly cash flow forecast and provide accurate short and medium-term cash visibility.Approving supplier payment runs and ensure effective working capital management.Monitor customer debt, support team with credit control escalations, and work with commercial teams to improve cash collection.Review inventory value and stock movements to ensure accurate reporting and minimise stock loss, perform internal quarterly stock auditsBusiness Partnering & Commercial InsightPartner with Commercial and Operations teams to provide timely financial insight and challenge performance.Deliver monthly sales and gross margin reporting, providing commentary highlighting trends across wholesale, cafés, export and e-commerce.Support forecasting and annual budgeting, ensuring departmental assumptions are robust and clearly communicated.Identify risks and opportunities affecting profitability and present actionable recommendations to senior leadership.Provide ad-hoc financial modelling and analysis to support business decisions.Team LeadershipLead, coach and develop two Finance juniors.Ensure all daily, weekly and monthly finance tasks are completed accurately and on time.Review outputs, provide regular feedback, and support professional development within the team.Foster a culture of continuous improvement and high attention to detail.Systems, Process & ComplianceContinuously improve finance processes, controls and reporting through automation and system enhancements.Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all finance activities.Support integration and optimisation of systems including Xero, Unleashed, Shopify, Lightspeed and other operational platforms.Lead the annual external audit process, preparing schedules and acting as the primary contact for auditors.Ensure compliance with VAT, statutory reporting, payroll and other financial regulations.Skills & ExperienceEssentialFully Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA equivalent (or actively studying final exam with significant relevant experience).Experience managing a finance function and producing full monthly management accounts.Strong understanding of balance sheet control, accruals, and stock accounting.Experience managing or mentoring junior finance team members.Advanced Excel skills and strong working knowledge of Xero.Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.Strong communication skills and confidence presenting financials to the Exec Team.DesirableExperience within FMCG, manufacturing, hospitality or multi-site retail.Knowledge of inventory and production accounting.Experience with Unleashed, Lightspeed, Shopify or similar integrated systems.Experience improving finance processes and implementing system efficiencies.Success MeasuresAccurate management accounts within the agreed month-end timetable.A fully reconciled and reliable balance sheet every month.Strong cash flow visibility and effective working capital management.High-quality commercial reporting that supports better business decisions.A well-managed, engaged and continuously improving finance team.Robust financial controls and successful year-end audit delivery.