Job Title

Department: Senior Management TeamLocation: West MallingDescriptionWe 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 timelinessAct as primary contact for external auditors and regulatory bodiesOversee VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, P11D submissions, and other compliance obligationsMaintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, including depreciation schedulesManage insurance and premises-related financial submissionsSupport preparation of monthly management accounts, board packs, and cash flow reportingOwn short- and long-term forecasting, providing scenario planning and risk analysisDeliver meaningful insights on financial performance, KPIs, EBITDA, and variance analysisLead annual budgeting processes across departments, ensuring alignment with business objectivesBuild 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 ExpertiseQualificationsFully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in progressively senior finance rolesDegree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business (desirable).Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, taxation, and compliance requirements.ExperienceProven 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 experienceDemonstrable experience in forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and KPI reportingManage statutory accounts, VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, and other compliance reportingStrong background in management accounting and financial modelling, with ability to provide actionable insights that support growth and cost optimisationExperience in building and managing relationships with stakeholders and external partnersExposure to utilities, construction, or infrastructure industries (advantageous but not essential)Skills & CompetenciesAdvanced Excel and financial modelling capability; strong proficiency with accounting software (Xero preferred)Excellent communication skills and able to translate financial data into clear, commercial insightsStrong business partnering skills. Confidence to challenge, influence, and support decision-makingAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detailTrack record of driving process improvements and implementing best practicesPersonal Attributes:Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and strong analytical abilityProactive, adaptable, and solutions-orientedCollaborator with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisationHigh levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgementMotivated by growth and continuous improvement, both personally and organisationallyBenefitsEnhanced annual leave provisions and Company sick payHealth & 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 fundFlexible 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 yearFavorable refer a friend reward scheme