At a Glance
- Tasks: Take full ownership of finance operations and drive automation in a scaling SaaS environment.
- Company: Dynamic company transitioning to an AI-first finance model.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career growth in a fast-paced startup.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while enjoying genuine ownership and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Experience in month-end close, VAT, payroll, and cloud accounting software.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Own the Function. Shape How It Scales. Apply now to take full ownership of a scaling, AI‑first finance function.
Location: Bristol or London (hybrid)
We’re hiring a Finance Manager to take full ownership of the day‑to‑day finance and compliance function as the business scales and transitions to a SaaS model. This is a hands‑on, high‑autonomy role. You won’t be supporting another controller or managing a large team. You’ll be the operational finance lead — trusted to run the function, improve it, and automate it over time.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Owning the month‑end close and delivering accurate management accounts on a defined timetable
- Maintaining clear, proactive cash flow visibility (weekly, unprompted)
- Preparing and filing VAT returns, managing HMRC correspondence
- Running or coordinating monthly payroll with the People team
- Managing statutory filings and external advisers
- Identifying manual finance processes and replacing them with automation and AI‑assisted workflows
- Building and maintaining the finance SOP library in Notion
What we’re looking for:
- Experience owning or materially driving month‑end close
- Hands‑on experience with VAT and payroll
- Confident user of Xero or similar cloud accounting software
- Comfortable working independently in a scaling or startup environment
- Curious about automation and AI — motivated to reduce manual work
- ACCA / CIMA qualified or close to qualification (or equivalent experience)
Why this role is different:
- Genuine ownership, not oversight
- Direct reporting line to the CFO
- Exposure to board reporting, investor readiness and a Series A journey
- Opportunity to shape how the finance function looks 12–24 months from now
If you enjoy ownership, ambiguity and building things properly, we’d love to hear from you.
Finance Manager in Bristol employer: Bunch
Contact Detail:
Bunch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those who work in SaaS or startups. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on your dream Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial practices and their transition to AI-first models. Show us that you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands the bigger picture and can contribute to shaping the finance function.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with month-end close and VAT aligns with what we’re looking for. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve driven improvements in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Ownership Spirit: In your application, make sure to highlight any experiences where you've taken full ownership of a project or function. We want to see that you’re ready to dive in and take charge, just like the role requires!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your skills and experiences that match the job description.
Demonstrate Your Curiosity: Since we’re looking for someone curious about automation and AI, don’t hesitate to mention any relevant projects or interests. Show us how you’ve embraced technology to improve processes in your past roles!
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 this exciting opportunity. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bunch
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to month-end close processes and be ready to discuss how you've managed these in the past. Show them you can own the function!
✨Showcase Your Automation Skills
Since this role involves improving and automating finance processes, come prepared with examples of how you've implemented automation or AI in previous roles. Discuss specific tools you've used, like Xero, and how they improved efficiency.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a scaling environment. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to manage cash flow visibility or handle unexpected VAT issues. Think through your responses to show your proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Independence
This role requires a high level of autonomy, so be ready to discuss times when you've successfully worked independently. Highlight your ability to take ownership of projects and how you've thrived in ambiguous situations.