Commercial Finance Manager

Celnor; West Malling; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in water utilities in West Malling is seeking an experienced Commercial Finance Manager to drive financial strategy, enhance profitability, and ensure operational efficiency. The role involves leading financial reporting, managing compliance, and building strategic relationships across the business. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in finance and be ACCA or CIMA qualified. This position offers opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements

5% Employer Pension Contribution

Professional growth funding

Health & Lifestyle Rewards

Enhanced company sick pay

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in finance roles within a commercial environment.
• Proven ability to translate complex data into reports.
• Strong technical accounting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting and submissions.
• Own business forecasting and set cost-saving targets.
• Build strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Commercial acumen

Education

ACCA or CIMA qualification

Tools

Office365

Xero

Job description

Commercial Finance Manager

Department: Senior Management Team

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: West Malling

Compensation: GBP 50,000 - GBP 59,000 / year

Description

We're seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Commercial Finance Manager to lead and evolve our financial operations. This pivotal role will drive strategic decision-making through insightful analysis, robust reporting, and continuous process improvement. You'll be instrumental in shaping financial strategy, enhancing profitability, and ensuring operational efficiency, all while supporting long-term business stability and growth.

This is a high-impact position offering genuine career development opportunities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Amongst overseeing one direct report, the Finance Officer, there will be ownership of the financial processes split out as below:

Reporting & Financial Controls:
• Lead Financial reporting and submissions, including insurance, premises.
• Primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Support monthly management accounts & cash flow preparation.
• Oversee quarterly VAT returns and maintain the fixed asset register, including depreciation.
• Manage compliance-related reporting including CIS, R&D claims, P11Ds submissions.

Analysis & Forecasting:
• Own business forecasting and contribute to setting cost-saving targets and identifying growth opportunities.
• Deliver insightful financial results, KPIs, EBITDA calculations, and variance analysis.
• Lead budgeting processes across departments and for the full financial year, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Stakeholder Management:
• Build strategic relationships across the business, acting as a trusted finance partner to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide actionable insights to support departmental growth and external reporting.
• Manage and review client terms to ensure commercial alignment.

Process Improvement:
• Champion continuous Improvement of financial processes and systems.
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance data accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making.

Operational Finance:
• Oversee payroll, expenses, audit preparation, and asset management.
• Manage credit control including reconciliations and escalation procedures.
• Review and optimise invoicing processes, including client payment terms.

Strategic Projects & Ad Hoc Initiatives:
• Lead cross-functional projects, collaborating with non-finance teams to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Monitor and track project performance, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in Finance roles ideally within a commercial environment.
• ACCA or CIMA qualified, with strong technical accounting expertise.
• Advanced proficiency in Office365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), Xero and any other payroll software equivalent.
• Ideally (but not essential) is some Water industry experience (or TICC or Construction as a parallel).
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives.
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive in problem-solving.
• Hands-on and accountable, with a flexible mindset and ability to adapt to evolving business needs.
• Strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of financial procedures.
• Resilient and confident in managing competing priorities and delivering under pressure.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Why Join Us

At Veriflo Ltd, we specialise in professional project management and consultancy within the clean water sector. Our mission is to help clients reduce leakage and unaccounted-for water through innovative solutions and strategic planning. We work across water quality control, network operations, statutory outages, and strategic optimisation.

As a rapidly growing company, we pride ourselves on our expert team and collaborative culture. We work with industry leaders on high-profile projects such as Thames Water Tideway and HS2.

Join us to...

• Be part of a growing company with exciting national projects
• Work in a supportive, forward-thinking team with opportunities for career progression and professional development
• Make a real impact on the business and Finance department as well as the water industry.

Our Package...

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus long service award.
• Flexible working arrangements where possible & hybrid working
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Professional Growth - We fund relevant qualifications and memberships in line with our Training and Professional Memberships Policy to support your career development.
• Team Events & Culture - Connect with colleagues at two company-wide events annually, including a Summer Team Building event and a Winter Party
• Health & Lifestyle Rewards with Benenden Health, including discounts at 3,500+ retailers, supermarkets, 24/7 GP access for you and your family, and private healthcare options.
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Refer a friend scheme

Please note that you will need to undergo a DBS background check if you are successful

• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits
• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits
• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits
• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits
• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits
• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits