Interim Finance Manager

Element Materials Technology; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global testing and certification firm in Bristol seeks an Interim Finance Manager for a 12-month contract. This critical role involves managing financial operations, bookkeeping, reporting, and VAT compliance in the Digital Engineering division. Ideal candidates will have experience in finance, be detail-oriented, and capable of independently handling the full finance function. Successful candidates will contribute to ensuring the integrity of financial operations and compliance with UK standards, offering a chance to engage in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar finance role.
• Part-qualified or qualified by experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and VAT regulations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns in line with HMRC requirements.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts with commentary.

Skills

Experience in a similar finance role

Knowledge of UK accounting standards

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Strong Excel skills

Education

Part-qualified or qualified by experience

Tools

Xero accounting software

Job description

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a new Interim Finance Manager to join our growing team on a 12 month fixed term contract. This role is critical in ensuring the smooth running of all financial operations in our expanding Digital Engineering division, including bookkeeping, month‑end reporting, and VAT compliance. The successful candidate will be hands‑on, detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage the full finance function independently.

Responsibilities

Bookkeeping & Transaction Management

• Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers
• Process AR & AP invoices, payments, and receipts
• Reconcile bank accounts and credit card statements
• Lead and execute credit control activities
• Assist with purchase order processing, ensuring accurate documentation
• Manage the shared email inbox & resolving queries
• Liaise with stakeholders

Month‑End Accounts

• Manage accruals, prepayments, and all other journal entries
• Manage and maintain the fixed asset register, including tracking acquisitions, disposals, and calculating monthly depreciation
• Manage and process all intercompany recharges and transactions
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts with commentary
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to senior management

VAT & Compliance

• Prepare and submit VAT returns in line with HMRC requirements
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations
• Liaise effectively with external accountants and auditors when required

Skills / Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar finance role
• Part‑qualified or qualified by experience
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and VAT regulations
• Proficiency in Xero accounting software desirable but not essential
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with financial reporting tools

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming 'the world's most trusted testing partner'. All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work‑related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.