Finance Manager

A unique opportunity has arisen for a financially qualified or part‑qualified Finance Manager / Project Accountant to join a respected, high‑quality professional services business. This is a standalone role offering full ownership of day‑to‑day finance through to management reporting, partnering closely with senior leadership and project teams.

The firm is an Employee-Owned business, fostering a culture where people feel genuinely invested in the organisation's success and long‑term growth. Employees benefit from a profit share and performance-related bonus after year two.

More About

The Role

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will have end‑to‑end responsibility for the finance function while working closely with project managers to support project performance, forecasting and commercial decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Full ownership of day‑to‑day accounting and bookkeeping
Credit Control, including chasing outstanding payments and managing debtor performance
Management of AP/AR, bank reconciliations, staff expenses, credit card transactions
Client invoicing - mostly progress billing
Preparation of monthly and quarterly management accounts
Cashflow management and forecasting
Preparation of reports such as aged debtors, profitability and expenditure
Liaising with external accountants, auditors and tax advisors
VAT returns and statutory submissions

Project Accounting & Commercial Support

Work closely with project managers to track WIP, backlog, overruns and write-offs
Produce regular project performance and profitability reports
Maintain project budgets, forecasts and billing schedules
Monitor utilisation, margins, and commercial health of projects
Provide early warning indicators for financial risks
Support bid/pricing decisions via financial modelling and scenario analysis

Process & Controls

Opportunity to strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures
Maintain audit‑ready digital finance records
Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation

About You

Essential

AAT, ICB, or IAB qualified - ideally accredited membership or working towards it
Strong experience in project‑based or consultancy environments
Solid understanding of double‑entry bookkeeping
Highly proficient in Quick Books, Excel, and Google Sheets
Strong analytical and organisational skills
Comfortable managing a standalone finance function

Beneficial, and higher end of salary negotiable with this additional experience and qualification

Experience producing budgets, forecasts, management accounts
Familiarity with WIP, staff utilisation and project financial tracking
Experience improving processes and financial systems

Why Apply?

Join a respected, employee‑owned consultancy where your contribution genuinely matters
Autonomy, ownership and visibility at senior level
Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in Hitchin after settling‑in period)
Profit & performance‑related bonus from year 2
Flexible working available
A friendly, collaborative, values‑driven culture
Opportunity to discuss reduced, pro rata hours other than 37.5 full time

Please note that the salary range quoted is open to discussion around relevant industry background, experience and qualifications.

Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Interviews will take place throughout this period, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Tate is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities. To ensure that every candidate has the best experience with us, we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make during the application or interview process. Your comfort and accessibility are our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we value and respect your individuality, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application