Senior Finance Officer - Recruitment Company - Essex

Location: Harlow, Essex

Hours: Full-time, Office-based

We’re seeking a Senior Finance Officer to take a senior role within the finance function within our busy and growing recruitment business. This is a varied role suited to someone who enjoys responsibility, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can manage multiple priorities with accuracy and confidence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be involved in overseeing the day-to-day finance operations including invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Manage cash flow, prepare VAT returns, and produce monthly management reports
• Supervise invoicing based on timesheets and ensure accurate client billing
• Handle payroll and contractor payments (PAYE payroll fully outsourced)
• Monitor debtors
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for business planning
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and key clients on finance matters
• Streamline financial processes and support system improvements
• Managing a Confidential Invoice Discounting facility — ensuring accurate daily or weekly uploads of invoice schedules to the funder
• Reconciling funding availability, drawdowns, and repayments in line with company cash flow needs
• Maintaining accurate sales ledger records and ensuring that only eligible invoices are submitted for funding
• Liaising with the invoice finance provider, handling audit visits, reporting requirements, and compliance checks
• Producing and reviewing availability reports, debtor reconciliations, and aged debtor analyses to ensure borrowing base integrity

About You:

• Experience in a similar finance role, of either taking additional responsibility or possessing the drive and focus to do so (ideally within recruitment or professional services)
• Experience of being involved in overseeing the day-to-day finance operations including invoicing, payments, and reconciliations
• Being involved in/leading cash flow, preparing VAT returns, and producing monthly management reports
• Experience of supervising invoicing based on timesheets and ensuring accurate client billing
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations, and reporting)
• Proficient with accounting software such as Sage
• Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and communication skills
• Confident working independently in a friendly, team-focused office environment

Reporting To: Finance Director (non exec), Business Owner

Why us:

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a sociable, supportive team where your contribution will make a real difference to the success of the business. Training and development opportunities. We are a fast-paced, growing business where your personal and professional goals and development are key to us. Benefits package including free on-site parking, companywide social and team building events, contributory pension scheme, gym membership and private healthcare following 36 months employment.