Senior Finance Officer / Finance Manager - Recruitment Company - Essex

Senior Finance Officer / Finance ManagerLocation: Harlow, EssexHours: Full-time, Office-basedWe’re seeking a hands-on Senior Finance Officer / Finance Manager to take ownership of 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:

• Oversee 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 (ideally within recruitment or professional services)
• 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, company wide social and team building events, contributary pension scheme, gym membership and private healthcare following 36 months employment.