Finance Manager in London

We are a rapidly growing, B Corp-certified Corporate Services Group, committed to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We create sustainable value for our clients, employees, and the wider community. With a customer base exceeding 500,000 and consistent year‐on‐year growth of 20%, we are redefining the business services landscape. From company formation and legal support to accountancy services and virtual offices, we provide end‐to‐end solutions that enable businesses to start, scale, and succeed.

As Finance Manager, you will oversee financial accounting, reporting, planning, and compliance, working closely with the Head of Finance to maintain the company's financial health and support strategic decisions. This hands‐on role requires a detail‐oriented, proactive, and commercially minded individual thriving in a fast‐paced start‐up/scale‐up environment.

You will play a vital role in strengthening the company's core finance operations by ensuring robust financial controls, reporting, and cash management processes to support ambitious growth plans. Additionally, you will drive continuous improvements in financial systems and reporting. This full‐time position offers a clear pathway to Financial Controller.

What You'll Be Doing

• Financial Reporting & Control
  • Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly management information for the group.
  • Manage the day‐to‐day accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, expenses and spend management.
  • Ensure robust internal controls are in place to safeguard company assets and maintain financial integrity.
  • Assist with preparation and audit of annual financial statements in compliance with appropriate accounting standards (FRS102) including entity and consolidated accounts.
• Cash Flow Management
  • Oversight of cash reporting and managing our rolling cash forecasting to ensure that we can manage our cash position effectively.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, helping to provide actionable insights to senior leadership.
  • Partner with business units to support them in understanding their numbers and implement effective budget control.
• Compliance & Tax
  • Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory tax requirements (including group VAT, corporation tax, and payroll taxes).
• Process Improvement & Scalability
  • Provide insight on scalable financial systems, processes and tools to support the Group's growth and leverage technology to automate and streamline financial operations.

What You Bring To The Table

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with 2‐3 years of post‐qualification experience.
• Previous experience in a Finance Manager or equivalent role within a fast‐growing start‐up/scale‐up/SME or qualified within audit with some relevant PQE industry experience.
• End‐to‐end experience in preparing management accounts.
• Practical working knowledge of UK GAAP, financial reporting and compliance requirements.
• Experience assisting audits, tax filings and statutory reporting.
• Proficiency in Xero is a plus.
• A broad understanding and aptitude with software packages.
• Excellent communication, analysis and problem‐solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
• The ability to challenge the way things are done, think around a problem, and be a self‐starter with the ability to work independently and thrive in a fast‐paced, dynamic environment.

Who You'll Be Working With

You’ll be surrounded by passionate, talented changemakers with big ambitions—not just for our business but for our world. Our teams are based remotely and on‐site in London and Glasgow, and you’ll be the critical cultural connector between them all. We’re a company striving for best‐in‐class service through empathy, integrity, and innovation—and we want you to be the voice and leader who helps us get there.

Remuneration And Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public/bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 14 weeks maternity leave pay, 2 weeks paternity leave pay.
• 2 paid volunteering days per year with our charity partner.
• Annual cost‐of‐living salary increase.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Dog‐friendly office.
• Indoor bicycle storage, changing and shower facility.
• Free soft drinks and bean‐to‐cup coffee all day.
• Free Wednesday lunches.
• Free fresh fruit – daily.

Equal Opportunities

1st Formations is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, criminal history, disability, or gender identity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.