At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage client contracts, and support strategic financial planning.
- Company: Join a values-led consultancy transforming public services in education and health.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive salary, annual bonus, 25-30 days holiday, and private medical cover.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public services while developing your finance career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in end-to-end finance management.
- Other info: Opportunity to work autonomously and shape the finance function in a growing consultancy.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re proud to be partnering with a values-led consultancy working at the heart of public services. This fast-growing firm delivers impactful transformation programmes across central government, education, and health & social care. As they enter a new growth phase, they are seeking a dynamic Finance & Commercial Manager to join the team in a broad, standalone role. You’ll be accountable for the timely, compliant, and accurate execution of core finance and commercial processes, while also supporting the successful delivery of both internal operations and external client projects.
Role Overview
Reporting to the CEO, this role will take full ownership of day-to-day financial operations, support strategic financial planning, and lead commercial processes across the business. It’s a hands-on, collaborative post that requires both operational rigour and proactive problem-solving.
Location & Package
- Office based role with the option of work from home on a Friday- Central London
- £50,000 – £70,000 salary DOE
- Up to 20% annual bonus (company + personal performance)
- ️ 25 days’ holiday (rising to 30 with service)
- Private medical and dental cover
- 4% employer pension contributions
Key Responsibilities of the Commercial Finance Manager
Finance Operations & Reporting
- Manage all core transactional finance processes using Xero, including timely reconciliation of transactions, maintaining the balance sheet and asset register, and issuing accurate client invoices in collaboration with project leads.
- Prepare and maintain a 52-week cash flow forecast, aligned to the P&L and balance sheet, with reasonable assumptions around payables and receivables.
- Collaborate with the firm’s external accountants to:
- Process monthly payroll
- Submit accurate VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory returns (e.g. HMRC, ONS)
- Produce timely and accurate management accounts and financial reports for senior leaders
Client & Commercial Management
- Lead the full client contracting process, including preparation of letters of engagement, securing POs, and ensuring timely contract signature using firm-approved templates.
- Manage operational relationships with clients’ commercial and finance teams, ensuring prompt resolution of any payment or contractual queries.
- Oversee mobilisation and closure processes for all client engagements, ensuring agreed actions and documentation are completed and auditable.
Supplier & Associate Oversight
- Manage financial and commercial relationships with associates and suppliers, including contracting, purchase order administration, and relationship management.
- Support delivery of complex, multi-party engagements such as international education programmes and managed service contracts, ensuring commercial arrangements are clear, compliant, and effectively managed.
Governance & Strategic Support
- Maintain up-to-date and value-for-money insurance coverage, aligned with client and regulatory requirements.
- Provide commercial input into leadership decisions on pricing, delivery models, and procurement strategies.
What We’re Looking For in the Commercial Finance Manager
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
- Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end finance in a small organisation
- Strong working knowledge of Xero or similar systems
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across internal teams and client stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail, with a proactive and analytical mindset
- Experience working with an educational setting, ideally within a Training Provider
- It would be an advantage to hold experience working within a small Consultancy/Service Provider
- Comfortable working autonomously, prioritising a wide range of responsibilities
This is a brilliant opportunity for a commercially aware finance professional to shape and lead the finance and commercial function of a mission-led consultancy making real change in public services. Interested? Apply today or get in touch with Simon Atkins for more detail.
Commercial Finance Manager- Education Consultancy Services employer: Pertemps Newcastle
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Newcastle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager- Education Consultancy Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Xero, as it's a key tool for this role. Consider taking an online course or tutorial to enhance your skills and demonstrate your proficiency during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the consultancy's recent projects and initiatives in the education sector. Being able to discuss their impact and how you can contribute will show your genuine interest and alignment with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your experience managing end-to-end finance processes in small organisations. Highlight specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the education consultancy space. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with industry insiders who might provide insights or even referrals for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager- Education Consultancy Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and commercial management, particularly in educational settings or consultancy roles. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education consultancy and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as managing financial operations or client relationships.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications in your application. If you have experience with Xero or similar systems, make sure to mention this as it is a key requirement for the role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've proactively solved financial issues or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and operational rigour, which are crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Newcastle
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with end-to-end finance management, particularly in small organisations. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed financial operations and how you utilised systems like Xero.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role requires proactive problem-solving, think of instances where you've tackled financial challenges or improved processes. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex financial concepts. Prepare to demonstrate how you've collaborated with internal teams and clients in the past.
✨Understand the Consultancy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the education consultancy sector and the specific challenges it faces. Being knowledgeable about current trends and how they impact financial operations will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.