Senior Finance Officer - Recruitment Company - Essex

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; Harlow; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing recruitment business in Harlow is seeking a Senior Finance Officer to take charge of finance operations, including invoicing and cash flow management. The role requires strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software like Sage. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys responsibility. Benefits include a supportive team, training opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Company social events

Contributory pension scheme

Gym membership

Private healthcare after 36 months

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar finance role, ideally within recruitment or professional services.
• Knowledge of overseeing finance operations including invoicing and reconciliations.
• Ability to manage cash flow and prepare VAT returns.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including invoicing and payments.
• Manage cash flow, prepare VAT returns, and produce management reports.
• Ensure accurate client billing based on timesheets.

Skills

Experience in finance role

Strong Excel skills

Proficient with accounting software

Excellent attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Tools

Sage

Job description

Senior Finance Officer

Location: Harlow, Essex

Hours: Full-time, Office-based

We're seeking a Senior Finance Officer to take a senior role within the finance function within our busy and growing recruitment business. This is a varied role suited to someone who enjoys responsibility, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can manage multiple priorities with accuracy and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Be involved in overseeing the 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 in a similar finance role, of either taking additional responsibility or possessing the drive and focus to do so (ideally within recruitment or professional services)
• Experience of being involved in overseeing the day-to-day finance operations including invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Being involved in/leading cash flow, preparing VAT returns, and produce monthly management reports
• Experience of supervising invoicing based on timesheets and ensuring accurate client billing
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations, and reporting)
• Proficient with accounting software such as Sage
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation, 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 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 package including free on-site parking, companywide social and team building events, contributary pension scheme, gym membership and private healthcare following 36 months employment.