Finance Manager (Maternity Cover - 12 Month)

Chris Lewis Group; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

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

The role involves supporting cash flow management and shaping finance processes and systems for a growing business. You will bring robust experience in month-end, reconciliations, and controls, with strong Excel

Qualifications

• Experience leading a finance team in a commercial environment.
• Proven track record with month-end reporting and financial control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing cash flow, debt collection and purchase ledgers.
• Proficient in Excel and financial data analysis.
• Experience using accounting software, preferably Xero.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Finance team.
• Manage month-end processes and reporting deadlines.
• Drive cash collection and aged debt management.
• Maintain robust financial controls and reconciliations.
• Support cash flow forecasting and financial planning.
• Review and improve finance processes and systems.
• Deliver meaningful management information and KPI reporting.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency and automation.

Skills

Month-end reporting

Cash flow management

Reconciliations

Financial controls

Excel skills

Leadership

Communication

Xero

Purchase ledger

Credit control

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

Xero

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
• Experience using Xero (desirable)
• 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.