Finance Manager (Maternity Cover)

The Chris Lewis Group; Cowley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chris Lewis Group is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to take ownership of the Finance function during a maternity cover period. Working closely with the CEO and Virtual Finance Director, you will lead a small team, drive financial performance and manage month-end reporting.

You will shape finance processes and systems, support cash flow management and provide meaningful management information to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Finance Manager, Management Accountant or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of month-end processes, reconciliations and financial controls.
• Experience managing cash flow, credit control and purchase ledger functions.
• Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, or equivalent practical experience (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the Finance team.
• Managing month-end processes and reporting deadlines.
• Driving cash collection performance and aged debt management.
• Maintaining robust financial controls and reconciliations.
• Supporting cash flow forecasting and financial planning.
• Reviewing and improving finance processes and systems.
• Delivering meaningful management information and KPI reporting.
• Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and automation.

Skills

Leadership

Month-end processes

Cash flow management

Reconciliations

Stakeholder communication

Financial controls

Excel

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Are you an experienced Finance Manager looking for an opportunity where you can truly make a difference?

At Chris Lewis Group, we're looking for a commercially minded Finance Manager to take ownership of our Finance function during a maternity cover period.

Working directly with the CEO and Virtual Finance Director, you'll lead a small Finance team, drive financial performance, oversee month-end reporting, support cash flow management and help shape the future of our finance processes and systems.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious, growing business where your expertise, leadership and ideas will have a direct impact.

Why Join Chris Lewis Group?

For over 30 years, Chris Lewis Group has been delivering market-leading fire, security and smart technology solutions to a wide range of prestigious commercial and private clients.

We're proud of our reputation for technical excellence, exceptional customer service and long-term client relationships. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in empowering individuals to take ownership, make decisions and drive positive change.

The Role

As Finance Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the Finance function while supporting the wider business with accurate financial information and strong commercial insight.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting the Finance team
• Managing month-end processes and reporting deadlines
• Driving cash collection performance and aged debt management
• Maintaining robust financial controls and reconciliations
• Supporting cash flow forecasting and financial planning
• Reviewing and improving finance processes and systems
• Delivering meaningful management information and KPI reporting
• Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business
• Identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and automation

What We're Looking For

You’ll ideally have experience in a Finance Manager, Management Accountant or similar finance leadership role and be comfortable managing a small team.

You’ll also bring:

• Strong knowledge of month-end processes, reconciliations and financial controls
• Experience managing cash flow, credit control and purchase ledger functions
• Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with financial data
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset
• The ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, or equivalent practical experience (desirable)

What Success Looks Like

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re motivated by accountability and results, with success measured through:

• Accurate and timely financial reporting
• Effective cash flow and debt management
• Strong financial controls and governance
• Reliable management information and KPIs
• Continuous improvement in finance processes and systems
• A high-performing and well-supported Finance team

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence business performance and work directly with senior leadership, we'd love to hear from you.