Interim Finance Manager – PE-Backed Consultancy SME Hybrid

We are working with a high-growth, private equity-backed business that is entering an exciting phase of growth. As the business continues to scale, they are strengthening the finance function and are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day finance operation on a 6 month basis.

Reporting into the Finance Director, this is a broad industry Finance Manager role combining management accounting, financial control, budgeting, forecasting and commercial support. You'll have plenty of exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to improve processes and develop the finance function as the business grows.

• Own the month-end close process
  , ensuring accurate and timely management accounts and reporting.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations
  , journals, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets and intercompany transactions.
• Take ownership of monthly management accounts
  , providing clear analysis and commentary on business performance.
• Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process
  , working closely with budget holders across the business.
• Provide meaningful variance analysis and financial insight to the FD and wider leadership team.
• Take ownership of cash flow and working capital reporting
  , highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Support the preparation of Board and investor reporting
  .
• Act as a key finance business partner to operational teams, helping them understand financial performance and make better commercial decisions.
• Manage the relationship with external auditors
  , ensuring the year-end audit runs smoothly.
• Oversee VAT and other statutory compliance requirements.
• Continue to develop and improve financial controls, processes and reporting as the business scales.
• Support the FD with due diligence, corporate activity and ad hoc strategic projects
  .

• ACCA qualified – ideally with strong industry experience.
• Proven experience in a Finance Manager / Management Accountant / Financial Controller position within an SME or growing business.
• Strong technical grounding across management accounts, month-end and balance sheet control
  .
• Commercial mindset with the ability to go beyond producing the numbers and explain what they mean for the business
  .
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and business partnering.
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and presenting financial information clearly.
• Strong Excel and systems skills; experience with Paprika would be advantageous.
• Highly organised, commercially minded and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with in a PE-backed or acquisitive business would be advantageous.

• PE-backed, high-growth environment with significant plans for the future.
• Genuine industry Finance Manager ownership
  , rather than a predominantly transactional role.
• Opportunity to influence and improve the finance function as the business scales.
• Exposure to corporate activity and due diligence
  .
• Broad role covering both financial control and commercial finance
  .
• Excellent opportunity for an ACCA-qualified accountant looking to progress towards a Financial Controller / Head of Finance position.