Finance Manager

SES Business Water provides water and wastewater services for businesses across England and Scotland. Our customers include major high street retailers, supermarkets, hospitality and leisure, local and national government, NHS, independent schools, manufacturing, food processing and an international airport.

We are proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector.

14‑Month Fixed‑Term Contract (Maternity Cover) |
Hybrid Working – 2 Days per Week in the Office

Salary – £50,000‑£60,000 per annum plus excellent benefits

SES Business Water is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Finance Manager to join the business on a 14‑month fixed‑term maternity cover contract. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will lead the finance function through a critical period, taking ownership of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit delivery and commercial performance analysis.

• Leading the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Taking ownership of the end‑to‑end P&L.
• Producing and presenting financial and commercial reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Delivering insightful analysis that supports operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Leading the interim audit (January‑February) and full year‑end audit (April‑June), acting as the key contact for external auditors.
• Managing, developing and motivating the finance team.
• Ensuring strong financial governance, controls and compliance.
• Building effective relationships with leaders across the business and acting as a trusted finance partner.
• Translating complex financial information into meaningful, actionable insight for non‑finance stakeholders.

• Proven experience leading finance teams and managing end‑to‑end financial performance.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and audit management experience.
• Ability to analyse financial performance and identify opportunities and risks.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience presenting financial information to non‑financial audiences.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft Office capability.
• Collaborative approach, high attention to detail and ability to remain effective under pressure.

Ideally, you’ll hold a professional accounting qualification (CIMA or ACCA) or be Qualified by Experience (QBE). Experience of treasury management, long‑term cashflow forecasting and business partnering would be advantageous.

• Competitive Salary – based on experience and skills.
• Annual Bonus Scheme.
• Pension Scheme.
• Healthcare Benefits – private healthcare and employee assistance programmes.
• Professional Development – training opportunities.
• Employee Discounts.
• Generous Annual Leave.

Closing Date: 27 July 2026