Commercial Finance Manager

JR United Kingdom; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy making a social impact is seeking a Commercial Finance Manager in Central London. In this dynamic role, you'll oversee finance operations, lead client contracting, and support strategic financial planning within a mission-driven team. With opportunities for autonomy and impact, this position is ideal for a commercially aware finance professional ready to shape the consultancy's financial function.

Benefits

Up to 20% annual bonus

25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service)

Private medical and dental cover

4% employer pension contributions

Qualifications

• Experience managing end-to-end finance in a small organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero or similar systems.
• Experience in educational settings, ideally within a Training Provider.

Responsibilities

• Manage all core transactional finance processes using Xero.
• Lead the full client contracting process and manage operational relationships.
• Support financial forecasting and modelling for strategic decisions.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Education

Experience in finance operations

Knowledge of Xero or similar systems

Job description

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Commercial Finance Manager – Social Impact and Education Consultancy | Central London (Hybrid)

We’re proud to be partnering with a values-led consultancy working at the heart of public services. This fast-growing firm delivers impactful transformation programmes across central government, education, and health & social care.

As they enter a new growth phase, they are seeking a dynamic Finance & Commercial Manager to join the team in a broad, standalone role. You’ll be accountable for the timely, compliant, and accurate execution of core finance and commercial processes, while also supporting the successful delivery of both internal operations and external client projects.

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Role Overview

Reporting to the CEO, this role will take full ownership of day-to-day financial operations, support strategic financial planning, and lead commercial processes across the business. It’s a hands-on, collaborative post that requires both operational rigour and proactive problem-solving.

Location & Package

• Office based role with the option of work from home on a Friday- Central London

• Up to 20% annual bonus (company + personal performance)

• ️ 25 days’ holiday (rising to 30 with service)

• Private medical and dental cover

• 4% employer pension contributions

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Key Responsibilities of the Commercial Finance Manager

Finance Operations & Reporting

• Manage all core transactional finance processes using Xero, including timely reconciliation of transactions, maintaining the balance sheet and asset register, and issuing accurate client invoices in collaboration with project leads.

• Prepare and maintain a 52-week cash flow forecast, aligned to the P&L and balance sheet, with reasonable assumptions around payables and receivables.

• Collaborate with the firm’s external accountants to:

o Process monthly payroll

o Submit accurate VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory returns (e.g. HMRC, ONS)

o Produce timely and accurate management accounts and financial reports for senior leaders

• Support financial forecasting and modelling, including scenario planning, investment appraisals, and other ad hoc analysis.

Client & Commercial Management

• Lead the full client contracting process, including preparation of letters of engagement, securing POs, and ensuring timely contract signature using firm-approved templates.

• Manage operational relationships with clients’ commercial and finance teams, ensuring prompt resolution of any payment or contractual queries.

• Oversee mobilisation and closure processes for all client engagements, ensuring agreed actions and documentation are completed and auditable.

• Manage financial and commercial relationships with associates and suppliers, including contracting, purchase order administration, and relationship management.

• Support delivery of complex, multi-party engagements such as international education programmes and managed service contracts, ensuring commercial arrangements are clear, compliant, and effectively managed.

Governance & Strategic Support

• Maintain up-to-date and value-for-money insurance coverage, aligned with client and regulatory requirements.

• Provide commercial input into leadership decisions on pricing, delivery models, and procurement strategies.

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What We're Looking For in the Commercial Finance Manager

• Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end finance in a small organisation

• Strong working knowledge of Xero or similar systems

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across internal teams and client stakeholders

• Strong attention to detail, with a proactive and analytical mindset

• Experience working with an educational setting, ideally within a Training Provider

• It would be an advantage to hold experience working within a small Consultancy/Service Provider

• Comfortable working autonomously, prioritising a wide range of responsibilities

This is a brilliant opportunity for a commercially aware finance professional to shape and lead the finance and commercial function of a mission-led consultancy making real change in public services.

Interested? Apply today or get in touch with Simon Atkins for more details- 07894 752230