Finance Manager

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

Job summary

Watsham Consulting is seeking an experienced Finance Manager in London (SW6/Putney Bridge) to lead day-to-day transactional accounting and bring reporting in-house.

Responsibilities include managing purchase ledgers, CIS deductions, cash flow and liaison with external accountants. The role offers office-based, five-days-a-week work with a salary of £50,000–£55,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Qualified by experience with a strong track record in a similar role.
• Experience in the construction industry.
• Experience dealing with subcontractors and CIS.
• Good knowledge of VAT, including construction-specific rules.
• Independent worker with excellent attention to detail.

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 and subcontractor invoicing in line with contracts.
• Manage cash flow, payment runs and supplier/subcontractor payment schedules.
• Liaise with external accountants on CIS/VAT returns and reporting.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure month-end processes are completed on time.
• Support management with job costing and project financial information.
• Ensure HMRC CIS and VAT compliance where applicable.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent worker

Prioritisation

Tools

EQUE2 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