Purchase Ledger Team lead / Finance Manager

Sagentia Defence; Epsom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting services provider located in Epsom seeks a Purchase Ledger Team Lead/Finance Manager. You will manage finance operations, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and support audits. Ideal candidates are ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with prior experience in a finance shared service center. The role offers a dynamic work environment and competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Qualified or Part Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS/GAAP and financial controls.
• Previous experience of overseeing a transactional finance team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance operations within the SSC, including AP and AR.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for enhanced efficiency.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Microsoft Excel

Education

Qualified or Part Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA

Job description

Overview

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Epsom

Description Science Group Plc is an international science and technology and systems organisation operating at the cutting edge of science and technology innovation. We are looking for a Purchase Ledger Team lead/Finance Manager for the Consulting Services Division to work with the senior leadership teams and be an important Finance Team contributor to the efficient running of the Consulting Services Division. We have a global reach, with a multinational and multicultural workforce spanning Europe, North America and Asia with offices across these continents. Our numerous scientists, engineers, regulatory advisors and market experts are supported by the Group's streamlined central support functions. The Group's success is driven by our world-class employees; this means that in growing our business we look for exceptional, hard-working and hands-on employees that will flourish in a dynamic and stimulating environment.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Finance Director, Consulting Services, you will work closely with the Divisional Managing Directors, Group, and the businesses by enhancing, adapting, and delivering the Finance shared services vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the finance operations within the SSC, including AP and AR
• Provide additional cover for the team
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, automation, and service delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and business units to ensure alignment and support.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Manage and develop a team of finance professionals, providing coaching and performance feedback.
• Support audits (internal and external) and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Lead or support finance transformation and system implementation projects.
• Act as a key point of contact for escalations and issue resolution within the SSC.

Skills, knowledge and expertise

You will report to Finance Director, Consultancy Services and you are a skilled and versatile finance manager, your knowledge having been built on a robust foundation of a finance shared service centre environment. You will have an eye for detail and have the curiosity to ask questions in order to understand our business to ensure the correct outputs. You will have a flexible attitude and enjoy day to day variability in the role.

Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified or Part Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA;
• Strong knowledge of IFRS/GAAP and financial controls
• Ability to manage competing priorities with multiple stakeholders;
• Capable of working effectively and efficiently under pressure in a fast-moving environment;
• An analytical approach to resolving problems and finding effective solutions;
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel;
• Can travel in the UK
• Previous experience of overseeing a transactional finance team
• Proven history in process implementation.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.