Finance Manager ACCA
This is a high-impact, hands-on role at the heart of our scaling finance function.
We’re looking for someone driven, commercially aware, and excited by the opportunity to build robust, scalable processes.
Lead key financial operations, ensure excellent cash management, support strategic planning, and play a key role in improving systems and controls.
Develop and mentor a small team, supporting the business as it matures into its next growth stage.
A detail-oriented, proactive finance professional who loves to create clarity from complexity.
Not afraid to roll up your sleeves and thrive in environments where change is constant and systems are still evolving.
Excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of finance at a mission-driven company.
Financial Control
- Manage day-to-day finance activities including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, invoicing, journals, and ledger management — working closely with our Finance Associate.
- Own cash management processes to ensure optimal working capital and healthy cashflow.
- Implement and continuously improve appropriate financial controls and processes across the function.
- Work closely with Operations and Lab teams to oversee financial stock control.
- Lead improvements to financial systems and processes, ensuring they scale with the business and support automation wherever possible.
- Own and drive system integrations to streamline financial operations.
- Develop internal documentation and process maps to support consistency and clarity as we grow.
Forecasting & Planning
- Maintain and enhance short- and long-term cashflow forecasting and related reporting tools.
- Collaborate with the Finance Business Partner on budgeting, forecasting and scenario planning.
- Monitor and report on key financial metrics including burn rate, gross margin and runway.
- Identify and implement improvements to financial systems and processes, including automation and documentation, with the aim of preparing for growth with scalable solutions.
- Lead on system integrations for streamlined financial operations, with a focus on automating processes.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and ensure adherence to financial best practices.
Management Accounts & Reporting
- Prepare accurate, timely monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis and commentary.
- Support the production of quarterly investor reports.
- Work with budget holders to review and challenge spend, ensuring we remain within budget.
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns, annual audit schedules, and HMRC submissions.
- Ensure compliance with audit and HMRC requirements.
- Partner with People, Commercial and Operational teams on credit control, payroll, billing, procurement, and cost control.
- Contribute to commercial analysis and due diligence, ensuring financial risk is understood and managed.
- Champion financial transparency and informed decision-making across the business.
- Build, mentor and develop an excellent finance team as the business grows.
- Support a high-performance, collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Must have:
- Qualified chartered accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), with multiple years’ experience post-qualification
- Experience in industry, ideally in a high-growth start-up or fast-paced environment
- Excellent understanding of UK accounting standards, VAT, and financial controls
- Highly proficient in accounting systems and Excel/Google Sheets
Nice to have:
- Experience in the technology or life sciences sectors
- Knowledge of revenue recognition, product margin analysis, and inventory accounting
- Experience managing audits and/or grant reporting
The ideal candidate will be responsible for working with senior management to develop financial strategies for the organization. You are comfortable handling large amounts of data, acting as a business partner, decision maker, and providing regular financial reporting.
Responsibilities
- Lead financial meetings
- Complete financial accounting and forecasting
- Deliver reports and metrics to leadership
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance or related field 5 - 7 years of relevant experience
- Fluency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Detail-oriented and analytical
The position will be based in Central London and is hybrid 3 days a week in the office.
Salary circa £50K - £65K.
Do send your CV to us in Word format along with your salary and notice period.