Finance Manager

Reed; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ground handling service provider in London is seeking a proactive Finance & Payroll Manager to lead their finance and payroll functions at Heathrow and Luton airports. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in senior finance roles, be a fully qualified accountant, and come from high-volume operational environments. This full-time role offers a competitive salary package and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunities for career development

Collaborative and supportive working environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in senior finance leadership roles.
• Background in high-volume, operational environments (aviation, logistics, or transport preferred).
• Strong commercial insight and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with long-term business goals.
• Manage end-to-end payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and HMRC compliance.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance and payroll team.

Skills

Financial strategy development

Compliance management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Payroll management

Education

Fully qualified accountant (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)

Job description

Finance & Payroll Manager

Location:London Airports (Heathrow & Luton)Job Type:Full-timeSalary:£50,000 – £60,000 (Pro Rata)

Duration:3-6 Months

Join one of London’s leading ground handling service providers and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of our operations at Heathrow and Luton airports. We’re looking for a proactive and experiencedFinance & Payroll Managerto lead our finance and payroll functions, working closely with the CFO and senior leadership to drive performance, compliance, and operational excellence.

Your Impact

??Finance Leadership

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with long-term business goals.
• Collaborate with the CFO and executive team on planning, risk management, and financial modelling.
• Present board-level reports and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Drive cost efficiencies and margin improvements across the business.
• Oversee daily financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and ledger management.
• Deliver timely and accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes with department heads.
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations (VAT, Corporation Tax, Companies House).
• Monitor financial risks and maintain robust internal controls.
• Support commercial decisions with pricing analysis and financial modelling.

??Payroll Management

• Manage end-to-end payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and HMRC compliance.
• Administer pension schemes and ensure auto-enrolment compliance.
• Process variable pay elements such as overtime, allowances, and shift premiums.
• Submit statutory payroll returns including RTI, P60s, and P11Ds.
• Resolve payroll queries efficiently and professionally.
• Maintain GDPR-compliant payroll records and data handling.

??Team & Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance and payroll team with clear KPIs and regular performance reviews.
• Act as the main point of contact for external stakeholders including auditors, banks, insurers, and legal advisors.
• Represent finance in cross-functional projects such as system migrations, TUPE transfers, and restructures.

What You’ll Bring

• Fully qualified accountant (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• At least 5 years’ experience in senior finance leadership roles.
• Background in high-volume, operational environments (aviation, logistics, or transport preferred).
• Strong commercial insight and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with access to trained counsellors.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• A collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive working environment.