Finance Manager - Recruitment Company - Essex

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; Harlow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy based in Harlow is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the finance function. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, preparing management reports, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in finance team leadership, strong Excel capabilities, and familiarity with accounting software. The company offers a supportive environment and numerous benefits, including training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Free on‑site parking

Company‑wide social and team‑building events

Contributory pension scheme

Gym membership and private healthcare after 36 months

Qualifications

• Experience of leading or managing a finance team, ideally in recruitment or professional services.
• Proven experience in cash flow management, VAT returns, and management reporting.
• Strong Excel skills necessary for financial analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow the finance function in line with business growth.
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including invoicing, payments, and reconciliations.
• Prepare VAT returns and produce monthly management reports.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs)

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent working

Tools

Sage

Job description

Finance Manager

Location: Harlow, Essex
Hours: Full-time, Office-based

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow the finance function in line with business growth
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Manage cash flow, prepare VAT returns, and produce monthly management reports
• Supervise invoicing based on timesheets and ensure accurate client billing
• Handle payroll and contractor payments (PAYE payroll fully outsourced)
• Monitor debtors
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for business planning
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and key clients on finance matters
• Streamline financial processes and support system improvements
• Managing a Confidential Invoice Discounting facility – ensuring accurate daily or weekly uploads of invoice schedules to the funder
• Reconciling funding availability, drawdowns, and repayments in line with company cash flow needs
• Maintaining accurate sales ledger records and ensuring that only eligible invoices are submitted for funding
• Liaising with the invoice finance provider, handling audit visits, reporting requirements, and compliance checks
• Producing and reviewing availability reports, debtor reconciliations, and aged debtor analyses to ensure borrowing base integrity

About You

• Experience of leading or managing a finance team (ideally within recruitment or professional services)
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Manage cash flow, prepare VAT returns, and produce monthly management reports
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations, and reporting)
• Proven experience with accounting software such as Sage
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation, people management and communication skills
• Confident working independently in a friendly, team‑focused office environment

Reporting To

Finance Director (non‑exec)
Business Owner

Why Us

• This is a fantastic opportunity to join a sociable, supportive and growing organisation and lead and grow a team where your contribution will make a real difference to the success of the business
• Training and development opportunities
• We are a fast‑paced, growing business where your personal and professional goals and development are key to us

Benefits

• Free on‑site parking
• Company‑wide social and team‑building events
• Contributory pension scheme
• Gym membership and private healthcare following 36 months employment
• Benefits package including free on‑site parking, company wide social and team building events, contributary pension scheme, gym membership and private healthcare following 36 months employment