At a Glance
- Tasks: Own finance delivery for clients, prepare accounts, and build forecasts.
- Company: Join Arq, a growing business focused on clear financial insights.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible hours, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with meaningful responsibilities and direct client exposure.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong commercial thinking.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, people-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Arq works with growing businesses to provide clear, decision-ready financial insight. We’re looking for a Finance Manager to join us and play a central role in delivering high-quality finance support to our clients. This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You’ll work directly with the Founders, take responsibility for client delivery, and help ensure our outputs are accurate, commercially sound, and genuinely useful to decision-makers.
Responsibilities
- Own day-to-day finance delivery for a portfolio of clients
- Prepare and review monthly management accounts
- Produce clear variance analysis and commentary
- Build and maintain forecasts and models
- Prepare client-ready packs for leadership and board meetings
- Sense-check accuracy, logic, and commercial relevance across all outputs
- Escalate risks early and propose practical solutions
- Act as a key point of contact for finance delivery
You will be expected to own outcomes, not just tasks.
What this role is not
- Not a pure reporting role
- Not back-office accounting
- Not a passive support position
This role requires judgement, ownership, and a willingness to engage with ambiguity.
Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or qualified by experience — we care more about judgement, ownership, and commercial thinking than formal qualifications.
- Strong experience in management accounts, forecasting, and cash flow
- Commercial mindset with the ability to explain numbers clearly
- Comfortable working in a growing, imperfect environment
- High standards, sound judgement, and a proactive approach
Experience working with SMEs or founder-led businesses is a plus, but not essential.
Benefits
- Salary of £40,000 to £45,000, depending on experience
- Performance-related bonus linked to quality of delivery, client retention and outcomes
- Flexible working hours, with an emphasis on trust and accountability
- Hybrid working, with time spent in our Lancaster office as required
- Clear progression as Arq grows, with scope to take on broader responsibility
- Direct exposure to founders and senior decision-makers
- A supportive, people-focused environment with continued professional development where it adds value
This is an opportunity to build a finance career in a business that values judgement, clarity, and commercial thinking, not just outputs.
Why Arq?
- Meaningful responsibility and client exposure
- Focus on clarity, quality, and good decision-making
- A role where your judgement genuinely matters
For the right person, this is an opportunity to help build a finance business, not just work in one.
Finance Manager employer: ARQ
Contact Detail:
ARQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Finance Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at companies like Arq.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your commercial thinking and judgement skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled ambiguity in past roles, as this is key for a hands-on position like the one at Arq.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ownership mentality! In your conversations, highlight instances where you've taken charge of client delivery or improved processes. This aligns perfectly with what Arq is looking for in their next Finance Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Arq team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Ownership: When writing your application, make sure to highlight instances where you've taken ownership of projects or tasks. We want to see how you’ve made decisions and driven results, just like you would in the Finance Manager role.
Be Clear and Concise: We love clarity! Use straightforward language to explain your experience and skills. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your points are easy to understand—just like the financial insights we provide to our clients.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Finance Manager role. Show us how your background aligns with our focus on judgement and commercial thinking.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Arq!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARQ
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle numbers with confidence. Brush up on key financial concepts like variance analysis and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles to provide valuable insights.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
This role requires a strong commercial mindset, so think about examples where you've made decisions based on financial data. Prepare to explain how your judgement has led to successful outcomes for clients or your previous employers.
✨Prepare for Real Ownership
Arq is looking for someone who takes ownership of their work. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed client relationships and taken responsibility for finance delivery in the past. Highlight instances where you've escalated risks and proposed practical solutions.
✨Engage with Ambiguity
Since this role involves working in a growing, imperfect environment, be ready to talk about how you've navigated uncertainty in your previous positions. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances while maintaining high standards.