Job Description
We are looking for a commercially minded, hands-on finance professional to lead and manage the finance function within a fast-paced SME environment. Reporting to the Managing Director and Group Finance, you will take ownership of financial management, reporting, compliance, forecasting, and day-to-day finance operations, while partnering with the wider business to support decision-making and drive commercial performance.
This role offers the opportunity to influence the business, improve systems and processes, and act as a trusted advisor to leadership in a collaborative, growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Financial & Management Reporting
· Lead the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
· Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and Group board reporting.
· Maintain full balance sheet reconciliations (including WIP analysis), P&L reviews, and VAT returns.
· Lead budgeting, forecasting, and business planning to support strategic decisions and meet Group Finance requirements.
· Ensure compliance with UK GAAP/IFRS, statutory reporting requirements, and regulatory obligations.
· Coordinate annual statutory audits, tax filings, payroll reporting, and year-end submissions.
· Manage the relationship with Group Finance.
Operational Finance
· Oversee day-to-day finance operations, managing and supporting the other member of the finance team.
· Ensure transactions are accurately recorded and aligned with company policies.
· Oversee tasks performed by other team member such as, accounts receivable and accounts payable processes, employee expenses and review and approve monthly payroll.
· Manage the company pension scheme.
· Maintain oversight of cashflow and working capital.
· Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls, identifying opportunities for process improvement and scalability.
· Support and administer finance and ERP systems, including reporting automation and system enhancements.
Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
· Partner with operational teams to monitor pipeline, revenue, budgets, work-in-progress, and profitability.
· Provide commercial insight and financial analysis to support pricing, resource planning, and decision-making.
· Monitor job costing, staff utilisation, and key business performance metrics.
· Support financial modelling, scenario planning, and ad-hoc commercial analysis.
About You
· ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent experience).
· Proven experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or in a standalone finance role within an SME environment.
· Strong technical accounting knowledge, including management reporting, financial controls, cashflow forecasting.
· Experience managing end-to-end finance operations and owning the books independently.
· Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to provide meaningful financial insight to non-finance stakeholders.
· Experience with cloud-based accounting systems (e.g., Xero) and strong Excel/spreadsheet skills.
· Analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset.
· Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence senior decision-makers.
· Hands-on, adaptable, and willing to roll up your sleeves when needed.
You may currently be a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or a highly experienced accountant ready for a part-time senior role. Whatever your title, what matters most is your mindset: collaborative, solutions-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving small business environment.
For any questions about the role please email - info@ethosep.co.uk