Finance Manager

Watsham Consulting; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Office-based 5 days a week

25 days annual leave + Christmas shut

Job summary

Watsham Consulting is partnering with a South West London client to recruit an experienced Finance Manager. The role will own day-to-day transactional accounting and lead the shift of reporting in-house, coordinating with external accountants on CIS and VAT.

Responsibilities include managing CIS, VAT, cash flow, month-end close, and job costing, while providing accurate financial information to directors. Office-based, SW6 Putney Bridge, permanent full-time role.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction industry accounting is essential.
• Ability to manage CIS and VAT compliance.

Responsibilities

• Run transactional processing (purchase ledgers, banking, cash flow).
• Manage subcontractor payments, CIS verification, and payment records.
• Prepare payments, valuations, retentions and subcontractor invoicing per contracts.
• Manage cash flow and supplier payment schedules.
• Coordinate with external accountants on CIS and VAT returns.

Skills

Subcontractor management

CIS administration

VAT knowledge

Purchase ledger

Cash management

Month-end close

Communication with directors

Tools

EQUE2 construction accounting software

Job description

Finance Manager

London, SW6, nearest station Putney Bridge (office based 5 days a week)

Permanent, full-time

£50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience

About the Role

We're excited to be partnering with a new client based in South West London (SW6, Putney Bridge) and leading their search for an experienced Finance Manager.

The Finance Manager will take ownership of all day-to-day transactional accounting across the business. Working closely with the external accountants, who currently handle CIS returns and VAT returns. The intention is to bring all accounting and reporting in-house which, as the dedicated finance specialist, the Finance Manager will lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Run all transactional processing for the business, including purchase ledger, banking and cash management.
• Process and manage subcontractor payments, including CIS verification, deductions, statements and payment records.
• Prepare and process applications for payment, valuations, retentions and subcontractor invoicing in line with contracts.
• Manage cash flow, payment runs and supplier and subcontractor payment schedules.
• Liaise with the external accountants on CIS returns, VAT returns, providing accurate and timely information.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure month-end processes are completed on time.
• Support management with job costing and project financial information.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including CIS and VAT (including domestic reverse charge where applicable).

Key Project: Bringing Accounting In-House

Over time, the Finance Manager will plan and deliver the transfer of accounting and reporting functions from the external accountants to the business. This will include:

• Taking over CIS, VAT returns and management information reporting.
• Developing management reporting, including monthly accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Establishing processes, controls and documentation to support the in-house function.
• Managing the ongoing relationship with the external accountants for year-end accounts and tax, where required.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Qualified by experience with a strong track record in a similar role.
• Previous experience working within the construction industry.
• Proven experience dealing with subcontractors and managing CIS.
• Strong knowledge of purchase ledger, banking and cash management.
• Good working knowledge of VAT, including construction-specific rules.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and prioritise a varied workload.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to work with directors, site teams, subcontractors and external advisers.

Desirable

• Experience using EQUE2 construction accounting software.
• Experience of leading or contributing to a finance transition or systems project.
• Experience of management reporting, budgeting and forecasting.

What's On Offer

• A key role with real ownership in a small, close-knit business.
• The opportunity to build and shape the finance function.
• £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
• 9-5, 35 hour week
• 25 days annual leave PLUS Christmas shut down