Current Vacancies

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

The opportunity

Our Fast paced client based in Manchester, helps corporate and financial clients to meet their strategic goals, whether they are acquiring, divesting or raising finance. They work with a range of clients, from UK entrepreneur led businesses to the largest global enterprises across all sectors, often on complex assignments that involve working with colleagues across a variety of disciplines and jurisdictions.

Their  core work is due diligence, assessing a target company’s finances and business projections, identifying opportunities, risks, sensitivities and potential mitigations, and reporting and advising on these to our clients, their banks, investors and other parties.

You will be a senior leader in the team and will have the opportunity to develop your career further through a broad scope of engagements, mentoring, coaching and formal learning.

Your responsibilities

As a Director within the Transaction Diligence team, you will lead the engagements.

You will have responsibility for understanding the key business drivers, co-developing with the client, agreeing value measurements with the client, providing value to the client through insights, factual conclusions and advice.

Skills and attributes for success

• Be able to gather, verify and analyse information to formulate views / conclusions
• Demonstrable experience in planning, preparing and reviewing deliverables in various forms including written reports, presentations and discussions with the client
• Offer a support culture to junior members of the team, assisting their development

To qualify for the role you must have

• • A Chartered Accountancy qualification, ACA, ACCA or equivalent
  • Ability to analyse financial and non-financial information to formulate views and conclusions.
  • Strong analytical, presentation, project management and report writing skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Be a team player with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels
  • A passion to provide high quality service to your clients

GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER-MATERNITY COVER (12-15 month contract)

Our retained client in South Manchester are looking to recruit a Qualified Accountant as a Group Financial Controller on a 12 – 15 month contract to cover maternity leave. The role is to start in JANUARY . The role is 3 days a week in the OFFICE. The salary on offer is 75k plus 5 k completion bonus

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the role has responsibility for the day-to-day running of finance and all financial matters for the Group. Working closely with CFO and Investor Relations Director to support the Group’s strategic initiatives and goals and providing strategic support to the Executive Committee and the Board.

Financial accounting and external reporting

Provide oversight and guidance to Investor Relations Director with work on the annual report and content and other external statements (RNS, Presentation materials, Subsidiary stats etc)

Manage the audit process and day-to-day relationship with the external auditors

Preparation of Board reports and commentaries, Audit Committee papers and presentations at Audit Committee

Accounting, budgeting and forecasting

• Oversee preparation of management accounts and KPI packs on a monthly basis, including full P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
• Ensure proactive business partner relationship with function leaders; provide commercially insightful KPIs tailored to each business function’s requirements
• Delivery of the annual budget
• Preparation of cashflow, P&L and Balance sheet forecasts
• Reporting and tracking of Capex and project spend
• Manage transactional accounting teams for Credit Control, Banking and Accounts Payable
• Ensure KPIs reported and tracked with emphasis on continuous improvement of processes and controls.
• Own forecast process for corporate cost centres, capital expenditure and working capital balances and cash flows.
• Own annual budgeting of balance sheet, tax, financing costs and cash flows.

Financial business partner / Operational support

• Contribute to decision making for acquisitions via the investment committee.

Team management & development

• Provide robust leadership and development to the Finance Team; Ensure that the finance team possesses the skills to manage, to a high standard of excellence, the finances of a business of the current and planned scale of the Group; Ensure that reporting deadlines are understood and met;
• Work with team members to create high quality development plans and appropriate training

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

Essential:

• A qualified accountant with astute commercial acumen, a strong grounding in process and control;
• An adept driver of change and business improvement with people and communication skills to support effective delivery; experience of driving change in systems;
• A confident character with excellent communication and relationship building skills, able to provide credible constructive challenge and support to both Board members and business managers across all business functions;
• Proven track record of successfully managing and motivating a team;
• A person who enjoys taking ownership and works to high personal standards of care.
• Strong leadership skills
• Good “people” skills
• Full Understanding of Group objectives and strategies
• Good communication skills

This role would suit a CAREER contractor who would want to parachute in to cover Maternity leave for a period of 12- 15 months. Or a person who would honour a contract The role is PAYE on the clients payroll . No day rate accepted. There will be a retention bonus of 5k at the end of the contract

The role is based in the office 3 days a week

PAYROLL OFFICER-6 MONTH CONTRACT

Working within the Finance Department, this role is primarily responsible for the co-ordination and administration of the timely and accurate delivery of payrolls that are processed centrally for the Fire division.

Additionally, the post holder would work on an ad hoc basis with Senior Payroll Officer on various projects across the Fire Division.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Payroll:
• Maintain and update the payroll records and payroll spreadsheets.
• End to end processing of monthly company payrolls
• Preparation and completion of payroll related reports
• Working with departmental managers ensuring all up to date payroll information and the correct documentation has been received monthly.

Completion of month end tasks including;

1. Complete P45 for leavers.
2. FPS (Full Payment Summary)
3. EPS (Employee Payment Summary)
4. Print /save reports for the period and to update payments file
5. Prepare and send electronic payslips monthly

• Enter all new starters/ leavers in the month onto Company pension’s scheme via Website
• Produce Pension Reports and upload into pension provider portal to process the DD
• Prepare a listing of all AOE’s each month together with payment details for repayment.
• Responding and solving first line employee queries regarding payroll.
• Process leavers and all administration in relation to leavers in SAGE & Employee database
• Control of payroll related HR paperwork.
• Correspondence in relation to changes in payroll and deductions.
• Ad hoc Payroll duties / projects as and when necessary.

Person Specification

• End to end payroll processing experience is required
• SAGE 50 payroll experience highly desirable
• Numerate with excellent excel & data entry skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work to deadlines with minimum supervision

The role is initially a 6 month contract role with a view to it becoming permanent.

Hybrid working is available.

AUDIT MANAGER

Audit Manager – Manchester – Salary £55-£70k ( dependent upon experience )

Role Overview: As an Audit Manager, you will take full ownership of managing audit assignments, from planning through to completion, ensuring the delivery of high-quality work that meets client expectations and regulatory standards. You will lead a team of auditors, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance reviews, while also working closely with partners to develop client relationships and grow the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee multiple audit assignments simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and audits are completed efficiently.
• Lead, coach, and develop junior audit staff, providing guidance on technical issues and client management.
• Review and sign off on audit work, ensuring adherence to audit regulations and internal procedures.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a primary point of contact for audit-related matters.
• Identify business opportunities and contribute to the growth of the firm by collaborating with partners on new client acquisitions.
• Ensure continuous professional development and stay updated on industry regulations.

Requirements:

• ACA/ACCA qualified with extensive audit experience in a practice environment.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Strong technical knowledge and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management abilities.

AUDIT SENIOR

Audit Senior – Manchester

Your role as an Audit Senior:

• Planning audits and identifying necessary resources and key risk areas with a mixed portfolio of clients, both within the public and private sector.
• Implementing ideas and suggesting areas for audit efficiency and improvement.
• Supervising audits and ensuring the timely completion of assignments.
• Working closely with clients, offering information and relevant advice in regard to structuring, and systems.
• Providing support in advisory and business planning arrangements.
• Identifying new service lines opportunities for existing clients.
• Managing trainee accountants and assisting with their development.
• Undertaking ad-hoc project or consultancy work for other departments or sector teams.
• Drafting and completing files including statutory financial statements and formal audit letters.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• ACA or ACCA Qualified or a Finalist.
• UK audit experience with a UK accountancy practice.
• Strong ability to build and develop relationships with both clients and team members.
• Ability to support more junior members of the team.

AUDIT DIRECTOR

Audit Director – Manchester

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio, delivering strong technical knowledge and ensuring deadlines are met
• Deliver high-level oversight for audit engagements from planning to completion
• Deliver commercial and added-value advice to both clients and Partners alike
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the audit function, ensuring service excellence across the board
• Review work to provide clear and constructive feedback to juniors
• Develop the audit and assurance service line with new and recurring fee income
• Win assignments in line with budgets and deadlines
• Collaborate with Partners to drive new business and support development work
• Undertake special, more complex projects where required, including ad-hoc work
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Provide strategic guidance to the audit team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging issues to enhance audit methodologies and processes
• Champion business development by building your network and undertaking opportunities to represent the firm
• Set an example as a hands-on and approachable leader to inspire the department

About The Firm

Available with a leading firm based in Manchester, this Audit Director job is an incredible opportunity to join a high-profile practice.

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS ASSOCIATE

Our client based in Manchester City Centre are looking to recruit a Mergers and Acquisitions Associate.

The role will involve:

Researching and identifying potential interested buyers along client specifications, organising & conducting initial contact to generate interest.

Assisting in the preparation of client marketing materials and deliverables, such as confidential information memoranda, documents and client reports.

Generate, organise, and lead meetings between clients and potential buyers.

Conducting financial analysis of company financial statements and valuation analysis on client businesses using several different methodologies depending on client sector, size, financial strength . Including DCF analysis, Maintainable earnings valuation, and Multiples analysis.

Creation and maintenance of data rooms, as well as management of financial and legal due diligence process.

Leading and advising on deal execution process with key stakeholders.

Overseeing, reviewing and offering input into legal documentation and purchase contracts

The ideal candidate will either be qualified or on their way to qualification, either with an accountancy background or a CFA background. The role offers fast career advancement and a fabulous bonus incentive package.

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Commercial Director

Our Retained Clients are looking to recruit a seasoned commercial professional with the ability to lead and innovate. As part of a senior leadership team, the role will involve a close working relationship with the Financial, Operations & SHEQ teams in leading the company’s growth plans. This will involve key oversight and interactions with project management and project/commercial controls teams to support the execution of strategic goals.

Key Objectives:

• Provide commercial support to our Operational Team and Board of Directors.
• Ensure precise operational and commercial control of contracts, backed by accurate performance data.
• Uphold compliance with Company governance and procedures, with strict adherence to financial reporting timelines.
• Spearhead initiatives to maximize margin and minimize costs, driving commercial performance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, promoting innovative solutions and driving change where necessary.
• Mentor and coach project & commercial teams, fostering growth and development.

Main Activities:

• Lead contract negotiations and resolution processes with professionalism and expertise.
• Manage project controls teams throughout various stages & functions including estimating, planning, quantity surveying, contract administration & project management.
• Compile budgets and financial reports to ensure transparency and proactive management.
• Analyse contract performance to identify revenue and margin enhancement opportunities.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive compliance with policies and procedures, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Preferably degree educated
• Proven track record in commercial and contract management including experience with the following contract forms – NEC4 options, IChemE Green, Red, Yellow, & Orange books, along with Model Form of Contract MF/1 as an example.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and coaching skills.
• Strong understanding of contract law and negotiation principles.
• Understanding of project management principles & controls
• Experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to interface effectively with customers and suppliers.

This is a RETAINED role with Dickson O’Brien Associates and all suitable candidates with be met by our agency in the first instance.

COMMERCIAL FINANCE ANALYST

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Commercial Finance Analyst to join their dynamic and ever-growing finance team!

Reporting directly to the Commercial Finance Manager, you will get the opportunity to collaborate with key decision makers and senior operations managers across the wider business and play a key role in providing valuable commercial insights, reports, and analysis to support business decision-making whilst also optimizing and challenging financial performance.

If you have a strong commercial finance acumen and are ready to take the next step in your career, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Duties & Responsibilities

Business partnering with key stakeholders & senior operations managers.

Identifying and monitoring KPIs.

Preparing weekly trading reports / dashboards.

Preparing monthly presentations on trading performance, identifying key trends whilst using clear & concise methods.

Identifying opportunities to improve processes or reporting data.

Working alongside the management accounts team to understand monthly performance by brand, site & location.

Reviewing of P&L cost items on a regular basis to develop understanding of cost base and presenting key trends.

Working closely with operational managers to optimise performance, control cost and improve profitability.

Providing support and logical data to improve & influence decision-making.

Quarterly forecasting.

Leading & managing budget preparation.

Other analysis or tasks as requested by the CFO, Finance Director, or Financial Controller.

Candidate Requirements

Part qualified accountant ACCA/CIMA/ACA.

Excellent communicator with the confidence and ability to discuss numbers with senior members of the finance function including the CEO / CFO.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and great knowledge of Excel.

Strong commercial finance and business acumen.

Analytical and adaptable with good attention to detail.

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER-12 month contract

Our fast- growing client based in Altrincham is recruiting for a Credit Control Manager on a 12 -month contract basis

This role has a broad scope: with a can-do attitude you will manage the credit control function to ensure debt is collected in accordance with terms and the sales ledger is accurately maintained.

The primary responsibilities of this role are to ensure accuracy and completeness of the sales ledger and communicate with clients regarding outstanding debt, whilst providing accounting information which can be relied upon by the external auditors.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following;

Investigation and collection of evidence to support debt collection
Investigate disputes in order to secure a payment
Development of structured methods to reduce aged debts and continuous reduction of the debtor days for the business working to set targets
Dealing with and resolving queries in a prompt manner
Building Strong relationships with finance departments of our client base
Monitoring and reporting on credit ratings of clients to anticipate potential payment issues
Preparing a schedule for issue in the monthly management accounts of action taken on overdue balances
Creation and preparation of new reports to analyse historical debtor position and forecast the future position
Full control of applications for temporary and full credit for review by the Financial Controller ensuring sufficient information to make a judgment is provided
Resolving unallocated receipts / credit balances
Liaising with clients following incorrect or missing remittances
Aid in the training of finance assistants in development of credit control skills
Streamline processes with the approval of the Financial Controller
Managing the longer-term expansion of the credit control area in line with the rapid growth of the business, assisting in recruiting more credit controllers and managing them
The ideal candidate will:

Have previous experience working within a similar role

Have demonstrable energy, flexibility, proactivity and a “can do” attitude
Be able to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment
Have the ability to work independently, and within a team, to achieve individual and departmental targets
Good analytical and excel skills with excellent attention to detail
Excellent verbal & written communication skills
Have experience working with office and finance systems
Have excellent time management skills and attention to detail
This role is a retained role with Dickson O’Brien Associates – it is a 12- month contract role. Interviews will take place the week commencing the 9th of September with the client. Any suitable candidate will be met by our retained consultant before then.

INVOICING/BILLING MANAGER-6 month contract

Our growing client based in Altrincham are looking to recruit a 6 month contract role , with a potential for permanent role 

Principal Duties

• Manage and directly assist with the resolution all sales invoice queries from clients in a timely and professional manner.
• Investigate discrepancies and issues related to sales invoices, working closely with the operations, finance, customer service and sales support teams.
• Ensure all sales invoices raised by divisional operations team are accurate, complete, and compliant with company policy and HMRC regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and understand the functionality of clients’ billing portals to ensure smooth processing and resolution of billing issues.
• Maintain detailed records of all invoice queries and resolutions, ensuring proper documentation for audit purposes.
• Communicate effectively with clients to clarify and resolve billing issues, providing exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate with the finance and operations teams to improve invoicing processes and reduce the occurrence of errors.
• Prepare and present regular reports on invoice query trends, resolutions, and outstanding issues to senior management.
• Assist in the development and implementation of training programs for divisional staff re invoicing procedures and best practices.
• Support the credit control and operations team with other related tasks as needed.
• Assist divisional operations with the management and analysis of work not yet invoiced (“accrued income”).

Person Specification.

• Strong understanding of customer invoicing processes and compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Experience and ability to oversee and understand clients’ billing portals.
• Excellent problem solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with internal and external stakeholders.  Ability to handle challenging client interactions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Enjoy the challenge of query resolution and being able to demonstrate the achievement of positive results.

The role is to start ASAP .

AUDIT MANAGER

Our client in Manchester city centre are looking to recruit an experienced Audit Manager who can lead an audit and team of less experienced auditors, to produce high quality work for manager review, from planning through to completion.

Your role will involve:

Reviewing findings/updating accounts

Prepare review consolidation workings

Prepare /review cashflow statements

Onsite fieldwork

Regarded by clients and colleagues as being commercially astute

• Effectively handles the majority of client queries/issues as appropriate
• Anticipates clients’ needs and concerns
• Understands the impact of the style of communication used with others
• Produces a consistently good standard of written communication to clients including letters, emails and reports

Builds and nurtures existing client relationships

• Shows a commitment to making the business a success
• Takes responsibility for own workload
• Deals confidently with clients and colleagues
• Works effectively under pressure

Then ideal candidate will be a Qualified Accountant, the client cannot accept visa renewals or sponsorship

SENIOR FINANCE MANAGER

Our client , due to growth is looking to recruit a Senior Finance Manager

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare weekly reports / dashboards & weekly CEO updates
• Prepare monthly presentations on the trading performance
• Identify the key trends and drivers of the result
• Work alongside the management accounts team to understand monthly performance by site, by brand, by location
• Review of P&L cost items on a regular basis to develop understanding of cost base and present key trends.

• Partner with key stakeholders
• Actively look to improve reporting impact & efficiency in preparation by maximising the use/potential of the SAP analytics tool and aiming to reduce reliance on spreadsheets, manual manipulation of data
• Work closely with stakeholders to optimise performance, cost control and improve profitability
• Provide support and information to improve decision-making
• Quarterly forecasts
• Lead and manage the annual budget preparation & presentation

The ideal candidate will have an:

• Excellent knowledge of Excel &/or SAP
• Possess commercial and analytical acumen
• Ability to establish the appropriate frameworks and processes
• Ability to multi-task, adapt and respond to changing priorities.

CORPORATE FINANCE LEAD – Manchester or Leeds

Corporate Finance Lead – Manchester or Leeds

About Our Client

My client is a market leader in their industry and put people at the heart of what they do.

Job Description

The role is broad and involves financial modelling, and investment appraisal including assistance with identifying business opportunities which you’ll project manage alongside the due diligence process. You’ll provide support to the structuring and execution of transactions whilst managing senior stakeholders and be project lead on M&A projects. The successful candidate will also manage junior staff on project assignments, and you’ll lead the development and maintenance of corporate governance on corporate finance assignments.

The Successful Applicant

The successful candidate will be:- ACA qualified

– At 3 years of advisory experience – in either Corporate Finance, Transaction Services or Restructuring.

– Big 4 or Mid-tier accountancy practices, corporate finance boutiques or similar.

– Strong experience in appraisal and building financial models and investment appraisal

– Have strong project management, analytical and interpersonal skills alongside excellent commercial judgement.

Benefits

The salary on offer is flexible and will reflect the level of experience , there are also strong and enhanced benefit packages with this role

For an informal chat , feel free to contact Maria O’Brien

COMMERCIAL FINANCE MANAGER – FRENCH SPEAKING

Our client a progressive and international business is looking for a French Speaking Commercial Finance Manager

The role includes:

Monitors the daily financial operations and performance of the company and identifies areas for improvement
Prepares reports and collaborates with top executives to devise strategies to reduce costs, increase profits, and optimise cash flow
Manages budgets and develops financial plans to meet organisational goals
Ensures all financial operations are in compliance with governmental rules and regulations
Provides leadership in creating a culture of risk management in the organization
Serves as the finance manager on larger or more complex projects or clients and negotiates contracts and pricing
Supervises and trains finance personnel and is accountable for their work
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant and MUST be able to speak fluent FRENCH

AUDIT & ACCOUNTS SENIOR