DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled and commercially focused Commercial Finance Manager to lead, optimise, and elevate our financial operations.
In this pivotal role, you will be a strategic partner to the leadership team driving decision-making through incisive analysis, accurate and timely reporting, and the implementation of robust financial controls. You will play a central part in shaping financial strategy, maximising profitability, and embedding efficiencies that underpin sustainable business growth. This is a high-profile role with significant impact, offering clear scope for progression within a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and collaborative environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesAlongside leading the Finance team and working closely with departments and leadership, this role will take full ownership of the financial processes, outlined as follows:
Lead preparation of statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Act as primary contact for external auditors and regulatory bodies
Oversee VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, P11D submissions, and other compliance obligations
Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, including depreciation schedules
Manage insurance and premises-related financial submissions
Support preparation of monthly management accounts, board packs, and cash flow reporting
Own short- and long-term forecasting, providing scenario planning and risk analysis
Deliver meaningful insights on financial performance, KPIs, EBITDA, and variance analysis
Lead annual budgeting processes across departments, ensuring alignment with business objectives
Build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor.
Provide actionable commercial insights to drive decision-making and departmental growth.
Review and manage client contracts and payment terms to ensure profitability and commercial alignment.
Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, controls, and systems.
Identify and implement best practices to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
Enhance data integrity and reporting capabilities to support strategic decision-making.
Oversee payroll, expense management, and credit control functions.
Manage reconciliations, audit preparation, and working capital processes.
Optimise invoicing procedures and ensure robust credit management.
Lead cross-functional finance projects aligned to business strategy.
Monitor and track project performance against budgets and forecasts.
Support the leadership team with ad hoc analysis and strategic decision support.
Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseQualifications
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in progressively senior finance roles
Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business (desirable).
Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, taxation, and compliance requirements.
Experience
Proven track record in a Commercial/Senior Finance Manager or Finance Business Partner role, ideally in a corporate or large-scale enterprise/LSE, would consider SME environment experience
Demonstrable experience in forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and KPI reporting
Manage statutory accounts, VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, and other compliance reporting
Strong background in management accounting and financial modelling, with ability to provide actionable insights that support growth and cost optimisation
Experience in building and managing relationships with stakeholders and external partners
Exposure to utilities, construction, or infrastructure industries (advantageous but not essential)
Skills & Competencies
Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability; strong proficiency with accounting software (Xero preferred)
Excellent communication skills and able to translate financial data into clear, commercial insights
Strong business partnering skills. Confidence to challenge, influence, and support decision-making
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
Track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices
Personal Attributes:
Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and strong analytical ability
Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
Collaborator with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation
High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement
Motivated by growth and continuous improvement, both personally and organisationally
Benefits
Enhanced annual leave provisions and Company sick pay
Health & Lifestyle Rewards Scheme with Benenden Health (including discounts at 3500+ retailers including supermarkets, 24/7 GP service for you and your family, access to private healthcare and more)
An additional day per year earnt after 3 consecutive years of employment, capped at 30 days excluding bank holidays.
2% above national minimum for employers contribution to your auto-enrolment pension fund
Flexible hybrid working currently set at 3:2 (office/site to home working)
Funding of relevant professional qualifications and memberships in line with our company Training and Professional Memberships Policy should this be desired or required for your role.
Companywide team events including a Summer team building day and Christmas party.
Companywide salary review each year
Favorable refer a friend reward scheme
As a part of Celnor Group, we offer solutions to technical and environmental challenges for customers across a range of industries and regulatory environments. Celnor invests in the growth, development, and training of all its colleagues and was founded by TICC industry expert, Simon Parrington.
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