Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and commercially focused Commercial Finance Manager to lead, optimise, and elevate our financial operations. This role is a strategic partner to the leadership team, driving decision-making through incisive analysis, accurate and timely reporting, and the implementation of robust financial controls. You will shape financial strategy, maximise profitability, and embed efficiencies that underpin sustainable business growth. This is a high-profile role with significant impact and potential for progression within a fast-paced, growth-oriented, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Act as primary contact for external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, P11D submissions, and other compliance obligations.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, including depreciation schedules.
• Manage insurance and premises-related financial submissions.
• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts, board packs, and cash flow reporting.
• Own short- and long-term forecasting, providing scenario planning and risk analysis.
• Deliver meaningful insights on financial performance, KPIs, EBITDA, and variance analysis.
• Lead annual budgeting processes across departments, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Provide actionable commercial insights to drive decision-making and departmental growth.
• Review and manage client contracts and payment terms to ensure profitability and commercial alignment.
• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, controls, and systems.
• Identify and implement best practices to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Enhance data integrity and reporting capabilities to support strategic decision-making.
• Oversee payroll, expense management, and credit control functions.
• Manage reconciliations, audit preparation, and working capital processes.
• Optimise invoicing procedures and ensure robust credit management.
• Lead cross-functional finance projects aligned to business strategy.
• Monitor and track project performance against budgets and forecasts.
• Support the leadership team with ad hoc analysis and strategic decision support.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in progressively senior finance roles.
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business (desirable).
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, taxation, and compliance requirements.

Experience

• Proven track record in a Commercial/Senior Finance Manager or Finance Business Partner role, ideally in a corporate or large-scale enterprise; SME experience considered.
• Forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and KPI reporting experience.
• Experience in statutory accounts, VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, and other compliance reporting.
• Management accounting and financial modelling with ability to provide actionable growth and cost-optimisation insights.
• Experience building and managing relationships with stakeholders and external partners.
• Exposure to utilities, construction, or infrastructure industries is advantageous but not essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Excel and financial modelling; proficiency with accounting software (Xero preferred).
• Excellent communication skills; ability to translate financial data into clear, commercial insights.
• Strong business partnering skills; able to challenge, influence, and support decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with accuracy.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and implement best practices.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and strong analytical ability.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• Collaborator with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement.
• Motivated by growth and continuous improvement, both personally and organisationally.

Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave provisions and company sick pay.
• Health & Lifestyle Rewards Scheme with Benenden Health (discounts at retailers, GP service, private healthcare, etc.).
• Additional day per year after 3 consecutive years of employment, up to a maximum of 30 days (excluding bank holidays).
• Employer pension contribution of 2% above national minimum.
• Flexible hybrid working (currently 3 days in the office/site and 2 days home).
• Funding of relevant professional qualifications and memberships where required for the role.
• Company-wide team events and annual salary review.
• Refer a friend reward scheme.