Finance Manager

First Recruitment Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy is seeking a Finance Manager for a five-month contract in Leeds. The role involves leading financial management of projects, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining strong controls over costs. Ideal candidates should be qualified accountants with advanced Excel skills and a self-starter mindset. This position offers an opportunity to manage financial resources effectively while contributing to audits and financial processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in project finance and consultancy operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial management of the designated portfolio of contracts.
• Ensure strong cost controls and accurate cost allocation.
• Produce management accounts and support month-end close.
• Manage internal recharges and approvals for expenses.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Self-starter

Collaboration

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Our client is currently looking for a Finance Manager who will work closely with the Finance, Project, and Commercial Management teams to support a portfolio of contracts. The finance manager will provide strong operational control, timely reporting, financial insight, and robust management of accounts receivable and payable.

5 month contract based in Leeds.

Role Purpose

Lead the financial management of the designated portfolio of contracts. Provide accurate cost information to commercial and project management teams, ensuring strong financial control of costs, cross‑charges, and timesheet data.

• Maintain financial controls including cost control, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash management.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to support month‑end requirements, including CLR reporting and ad‑hoc analysis.
• Act as the financial lead for client and external audit requirements.
• Drive efficiency and automation in financial and operational processes, championing change and best prac

Key Responsibilities

Reporting and Financial Management

• Lead the month‑end close and reporting cycle for the portfolio of contracts.
• Support financial and management reporting via CLR reports and monthly CLR reviews.
• Produce management accounts, reconciliations, and ad‑hoc analysis to inform CLR reporting and contract forecasts.
• Collaborate with Sector, Division, and Group Financial Control teams to meet all reporting requirements and resolve queries.

Financial Control and Administration

• Ensure strong cost controls to capture, record, and allocate costs accurately.
• Ensure month‑end costs include appropriate accruals and prepayments.
• Complete balance sheet and cash reconciliations at period close.
• Adhere to best practice for PO raising, GRNI, invoice matching, and journal reallocations.
• Lead and support responses to client cost audits and internal/external audit processes.

Contract Management Processes

• Support the setup of new delivery projects, supplier arrangements, and client invoicing.
• Review and approve staff expenses and timesheet validation.
• Manage internal recharges, including AMS IT costs for staff.

Cash Management

• Lead cash management for projects, including E1 cash reallocations.
• Ensure timely and effective client invoicing and collection of debtor balances, working with the R2R team.
• Ensure external resources are accurately accounted for and supplier invoices are paid promptly, working with the P2P team.
• Contribute to cash forecasting, monitor WIP, and take actions to minimise outstanding balances.
• Lead and manage supporting finance resources.
• Provide development opportunities and support to team members, as appropriate.

Person Specification

• Qualified accountant, ideally with experience in project finance and consultancy operations.
• Self‑starter with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative team player.

Company Information

First Recruitment Group is a recruitment consultancy. We are looking for a Finance Manager for a five‑month contract based in Leeds.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.

Sector: Commercial, Admin & Office Support