Finance Manager

Brightsmith; United States; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightsmith is seeking a Finance Manager to build the function from day one. You will work directly with the CEO to establish systems, processes and financial insight that enable the company to scale.

You'll lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly reporting, build a scalable control framework, automate routine tasks with AI tools and act as a trusted partner to the leadership team on strategic planning, fundraising and major capital projects.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in Finance Manager/FC/Finance Business Partner.
• Experience with external accountants or outsourced providers.
• Strong financial modelling, budgeting and cash flow skills.
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience in a start-up/scale-up is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts with external accountants.
• Deliver financial reporting and insights to CEO and Board.
• Turn data into clear recommendations for decisions.
• Own rolling cash flow forecast and liquidity planning.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Build financial models to support growth initiatives.
• Support strategic planning and fundraising decisions.

Skills

Financial modelling

Budgeting

Cash flow management

Internal controls

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder communication

Tech-savvy with AI tools

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Finance Manager | Build the Finance Function from the Ground Up

Location: Hybrid

Reporting to: CEO

Build something from day one.

We're looking for an ambitious Finance Manager who wants more than a traditional finance role.

This is an opportunity to build and shape the finance function of a growing business. You'll work directly with the CEO, helping to create the systems, processes and financial insight that enable the company to scale.

You'll establish strong financial controls, automate routine processes, introduce modern digital and AI tools, and ensure the business has the financial information it needs to make confident decisions quickly.

As the company grows, you'll become a trusted commercial partner to the leadership team—supporting strategic planning, investment decisions, fundraising and major capital projects.

If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely influence how a business grows, this is it.

What you'll be doing

• Prepare monthly management accounts in collaboration with external accountants.


• Deliver accurate financial reporting and commercial insight to the CEO and Board.


• Turn financial data into clear recommendations that support business decisions.

Cash Flow & Planning

• Own the rolling cash flow forecast and liquidity planning.


• Manage treasury activities and banking relationships.


• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.


• Build financial models to support strategic growth initiatives.

Build a Modern Finance Function

• Help build a scalable finance function from the ground up.


• Create a single source of financial truth across the business.


• Introduce AI and digital tools to automate routine finance activities.


• Continuously improve processes, reporting and financial controls.

Governance & Compliance

• Support statutory reporting, tax and compliance through external advisers.


• Implement robust financial controls and governance.


• Ensure the business is audit and investor ready.

Strategic Growth

• Support fundraising activities and investor reporting.


• Prepare Board reports and financial analysis.


• Partner with senior leaders to support commercial decision-making.

Capital Projects

• Support the financial management of major capital investment projects.


• Analyse commercial trade-offs and investment decisions.


• Help ensure projects remain on budget and aligned with business plans.

About You

We're looking for someone who is ready to take the next step in their career.

You’ll likely have:

• 3-5+ years' experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Finance Business Partner.


• Experience working with external accountants or outsourced finance providers.


• Strong financial modelling, budgeting and cash flow management skills.


• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent).


• Experience in a start-up, scale-up or entrepreneurial business would be advantageous.

You’ll also be:

• Commercially minded and naturally curious.


• Happy working strategically while remaining hands-on.


• Interested in using technology and AI to improve finance processes.


• A confident communicator who enjoys working closely with senior stakeholders.


• Someone who takes ownership, enjoys solving problems and thrives in a fast-moving environment.

Why Join?

This is a genuine opportunity to grow with the business.

Rather than joining an established finance team, you'll help build one. You'll work closely with the CEO, influence key commercial decisions, gain exposure to fundraising and strategic planning, and play a central role in shaping the future of the company.

For someone looking to accelerate their career, this role offers an exceptional platform to develop into a future Head of Finance or Finance Director.