A fast-growing international business operating in the Online/Retail space is seeking a commercially minded and trustworthy Finance Manager to take full ownership of their financial operations in a newly created first in finance position. This is a senior, hands-on role sitting at the heart of the business. You'll be the financial backbone — managing everything from day-to-day accounts to shareholder tax planning, dividend optimisation, and benefit structuring. You'll work directly with the Director and external accountants, and your work will have a direct impact on the strategic direction of the business.Financial Management & Budget ControlTake full ownership of the company's financial operations, planning and reportingDevelop and monitor budgets to ensure responsible spending and optimal resource allocationRegularly review financial performance against budgets, providing variance analysis and actionable recommendationsMaintain and monitor cash flow to ensure the business meets all operational and tax obligationsPrepare financial forecasts and management reports for the director and shareholdersIdentify cost reduction opportunities and advise on profit margins and reinvestment strategyPayments & Record KeepingApprove and process supplier invoices, purchase orders, and outgoing payments accurately and on timeManage accounts payable and receivable, keeping reconciliations currentTrack e-commerce transactions, platform fees, and deductions across Shopify, Amazon, and other platformsMaintain clean, accurate ledgers with all entries properly coded and reconciledProduce monthly management accounts and assist with end-of-year financial statementsTaxation & ComplianceEnsure all VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax submissions are accurate and filed on time in coordination with external accountantsMaintain full compliance with HMRC regulations and e-commerce tax requirementsKeep accurate, audit-ready records of all financial transactionsLiaise with accountants and auditors to support year-end and compliance reviewsMonitor changes to tax legislation and proactively advise on implications for the businessShareholder & Director Tax PlanningAdvise on and implement tax-efficient dividend strategies for shareholders, taking into account personal income, tax band utilisation and timingSupport directors with personal tax planning including salary and dividend structuring, benefit-in-kind optimisation, and self-assessment obligationsIdentify and implement opportunities to maximise available allowances, reliefs and exemptions — including corporation tax deductions, capital allowances, and employment benefit schemesWork with external accountants to ensure shareholder and director tax positions are optimised each financial yearGrowth & Strategic SupportWork closely with operations, procurement, and compliance teams to align financial priorities with business objectivesProvide financial insights and scenario modelling to support purchasing decisions, inventory planning, and growth initiativesSupport the business in building scalable financial systems and reporting infrastructure as the company scales into major UK retailWhat We're Looking ForAn ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified or possible PQ/QBE accountant with 5+ years’ experience in a finance role with hands-on responsibility for management accounts, tax compliance, and financial planningExcellent commercial finance and business management skillsStrong knowledge of UK accounting standards, HMRC regulations, and Director/shareholder tax mattersExperience with dividend planning, benefit-in-kind reporting, and PAYE for directorsProficient in Xero and confident working across e-commerce platforms including Shopify and AmazonStrong numerical accuracy, analytical thinking, and attention to detailHigh integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial and personal tax informationE-commerce or retail background strongly preferredA proactive, ideas-driven mindset — they want someone who doesn't just manage the numbers but actively identifies opportunities to improve tax efficiency, reduce costs, and structure the business more effectively. If you've implemented schemes, reliefs, or strategies that others missed, we want to hear about it.
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