Our client, a highly reputable, Private Equity-backed international legal consulting business in London, with ambitious growth plans, are actively seeking a Finance Manager at the Finalist ACA, CIMA or ACCA - newly qualified level. This is a hands-on leadership role with full ownership of the finance function, reporting directly to the CFO and working closely with the Board of Directors.
The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day finance operations including managing a Finance Assistant, taking ownership of day-to-day accounting duties, driving key system & process improvements such as implementing a Board pack with KPI tracking & updating detailed Budget & Cashflow models, so would suit a mind with commercial flair - a key tenet of VC-backed businesses - to improve financial controls and provide strategic growth.
Core responsibilities;
*Coordinate & project manage external advisors inc. ownership of deadlines & rigorous critique of deliverables.
*Manage the Finance Assistant by delegating tasks, coaching, and developing their talent
*Review and own all finance outputs, including balance sheet & P&L accountability.
*Drive process improvements focused on automation and efficiency, minimizing manual work and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
*Map workflows, identify pain points & lead implementation of operational changes, communicating progress to the Executive team on a regular basis.
*Monitor cash flow across 6 Markets and develop strategies to optimise liquidity for growth.
*Design and maintain financial & operational KPIs, providing actionable reports to the Exec team. This will be focused on People metrics a la utilisation, project profitability, competitor analysis & quality of scoping.
*Own the month-end close process, including preparation of Board reports and commentary.
*Lead forecasting, budgeting, and 3-year financial planning efforts.
*Manage relationships with banks, investors, suppliers, contractors, and overseas partners, including any audit coordination.
*Collaborate closely with leadership to become a trusted partner who can aid with pricing and resourcing decisions.
*Support in credit referencing new clients, client billing, issuing statements, credit control and litigation where appropriate.
*Partner with multiple departments on commercial and operational projects, offering strategic financial insights including tracking the ROI of Marketing events.
*Oversee payroll and maintain strong oversight of HR activities, handling confidential information with discretion.
*Maintain strict cost control, ensuring spend is aligned with growth objectives.
Candidate Requirements;
*Essential – Part / Finalist level - newly qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA.
*Essential - candidates must be on 1 months’ notice maximum
*London-based and happy to be in the office 3 days per week
*Highly organised individual with an ability to prioritise and delegate a range of daily tasks and projects without letting anything ’fall off the radar’.
*Strong communication skills, in particular to influence and build rapport with senior stakeholders and colleagues outside of Finance. Ability to provide ongoing updates, ’roll your sleeves up’ and try to meet stakeholders face to face.
*The ability to constructively challenge existing process, reporting and data whilst keeping team members motivated.
*Strong Excel and some ERP systems experience - though this isn’t mandatory.
*PowerPoint/Board level reporting deliverables experience ideal, though not mandatory
*High level of professionalism, discretion & maturity as this role will have sight of sensitive and confidential information and work with senior Directors daily.
*Cashflow management experience.
*A positive and resourceful attitude to challenges.
*A sense of fun, camaraderie and teamwork is essential - this role will offer progression for the right individual to Financial Controller