About us Optima Partners is a challenger AI and data consultancy that embeds closely with clients to solve complex problems and deliver measurable outcomes. Founded in 2013 in Edinburgh, we specialise in transformation across Financial Services & Insurance, Energy, Telecoms and Life Sciences. Following recent significant investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP), we are entering a major growth phase that accelerates our UK expansion, strengthens our service and innovation capabilities, and enables further investment in our people, technology and delivery. As we scale, we’re looking for a hands‑on Finance Manager who thrives in a fast‑growing environment and enjoys taking ownership across a broad range of responsibilities. You’ll bring experience from an SME setting, a strong grasp of day‑to‑day finance operations, and a passion for improving how things work. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on responsibility and wants to step into a broader, more impactful position within a growing, investment‑backed consultancy. The role Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will take ownership of core financial operations and play a central role in strengthening controls, improving processes, and supporting effective decision‑making across the business. Your key responsibilities will include:, Financial Control & Reporting Own the month‑end close calendar and deliver complete management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cashflow and commentary). Maintain accurate, timely balance sheet reconciliations with clear issue resolution. Prepare weekly cashflow forecasts, highlighting risks/opportunities and recommended actions. Produce VAT returns and maintain all supporting documentation. Support budgeting and forecasting: issuing templates, consolidating inputs and preparing first‑cut packs. Operational Finance Management Oversee AP, AR, billing, credit control, accrued/deferred income and prepayment reconciliations. Monitor working capital KPIs and drive improvements in cash conversion. Review monthly payroll outputs and prepare payroll journals (including year‑end P11D/PSA requirements). Manage banking reviews, payment runs and authorisation through Bankline. Maintain finance systems including chart of accounts, housekeeping and supplier/customer setup. Audit, Governance & Improvement Prepare year‑end audit packs and act as day‑to‑day liaison with auditors. Maintain all operational finance procedures and documentation. Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and data quality. About you You’ll be a proactive Finance Manager who enjoys leading others, setting high standards, and taking ownership of delivering accurate, timely financial outputs. You’ll bring strong attention to detail, a collaborative approach, and the confidence to maintain robust controls across all core finance activities. A qualified Chartered accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA) with PQE experience Manage, coach, and develop two direct reports. Lead by example, promoting high standards of accuracy, ownership, and collaboration. Maintain and enforce all finance deadlines, cut‑offs, and operational expectations. Prepare and approve routine journals within agreed limits. Authorise payments within policy and take responsibility for locking down management accounts following GFC review. What we offer We offer a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work‑life balance as part of a growing, people‑focused consultancy. Competitive base salary Access to a company discretionary bonus and client growth incentive plan Up to 37 days holiday Private medical insurance Group life and income protection Salary sacrifice pension scheme Access to Perkbox, offering a wide range of lifestyle discounts and wellbeing benefits Investment in learning and development, including funded training and professional growth opportunities Regular company away days and team events to strengthen collaboration and celebrate success