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- Tasks: Lead financial operations, drive strategic decisions, and enhance profitability.
- Company: Celnor Group focuses on innovative solutions in the clean water sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days leave, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment with exciting national projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in finance, ACCA or CIMA qualified, strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and team events to connect with colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview
Description We are seeking a highly skilled and commercially focused Commercial Finance Manager to lead, optimise, and elevate our financial operations.
Department: Senior Management Team
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: West Malling
Role purpose
In this pivotal role, you will be a strategic partner to the leadership team driving decision-making through incisive analysis, accurate and timely reporting, and the implementation of robust financial controls. You will play a central part in shaping financial strategy, maximising profitability, and embedding efficiencies that underpin sustainable business growth. This is a high-profile role with significant impact, offering clear scope for progression within a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead preparation of statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Act as primary contact for external auditors and regulatory bodies
- Oversee VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, P11D submissions, and other compliance obligations
- Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, including depreciation schedules
- Manage insurance and premises-related financial submissions
- Support preparation of monthly management accounts, board packs, and cash flow reporting
- Own short- and long-term forecasting, providing scenario planning and risk analysis
- Deliver meaningful insights on financial performance, KPIs, EBITDA, and variance analysis
- Lead annual budgeting processes across departments, ensuring alignment with business objectives
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor
- Provide actionable commercial insights to drive decision-making and departmental growth
- Review and manage client contracts and payment terms to ensure profitability and commercial alignment
- Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, controls, and systems
- Identify and implement best practices to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability
- Enhance data integrity and reporting capabilities to support strategic decision-making
- Oversee payroll, expense management, and credit control functions
- Manage reconciliations, audit preparation, and working capital processes
- Optimise invoicing procedures and ensure robust credit management
- Lead cross-functional finance projects aligned to business strategy
- Monitor and track project performance against budgets and forecasts
- Support the leadership team with ad hoc analysis and strategic decision support
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in progressively senior finance roles
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or Business (desirable)
- Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, taxation, and compliance requirements
Experience
- Proven track record in a Commercial/Senior Finance Manager or Finance Business Partner role, ideally in a corporate or large-scale enterprise/LSE; SME experience considered
- Demonstrable experience in forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and KPI reporting
- Manage statutory accounts, VAT returns, CIS, R&D claims, and other compliance reporting
- Strong background in management accounting and financial modelling, with ability to provide actionable insights that support growth and cost optimisation
- Experience in building and managing relationships with stakeholders and external partners
- Exposure to utilities, construction, or infrastructure industries (advantageous but not essential)
Skills & Competencies
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability; strong proficiency with accounting software (Xero preferred)
- Excellent communication skills and ability to translate financial data into clear, commercial insights
- Strong business partnering skills; confidence to challenge, influence, and support decision-making
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
- Track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices
Personal Attributes
- Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and strong analytical ability
- Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
- Collaborator with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation
- High levels of integrity, accountability, and professional judgement
- Motivated by growth and continuous improvement, both personally and organisationally
Benefits
- Enhanced annual leave provisions and Company sick pay
- Health & Lifestyle Rewards Scheme with Benenden Health (including discounts at 3500+ retailers, 24/7 GP service, private healthcare and more)
- An additional day per year earned after 3 consecutive years of employment, capped at 30 days excluding bank holidays
- 2% above national minimum for employers contribution to your auto-enrolment pension fund
- Flexible hybrid working currently set at 3:2 (office/site to home working)
- Funding of relevant professional qualifications and memberships in line with our company Training and Professional Memberships Policy
- Companywide team events including a Summer team building day and Christmas party
- Companywide salary review each year
- Favorable refer a friend reward scheme
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Commercial Finance Manager employer: Celnor Group
Contact Detail:
Celnor Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in commercial finance. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges and opportunities within the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest financial software and tools mentioned in the job description, such as Xero and Office365. Being proficient in these tools can give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Celnor Group and their projects, particularly in the clean water sector. Understanding their mission and recent initiatives will help you tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and process improvement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and profitability in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Commercial Finance Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance roles, particularly those that demonstrate your commercial acumen and analytical skills. Use keywords from the job description to align your qualifications with what Celnor Group is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also showcases your understanding of the role's responsibilities. Mention specific examples of how you've driven financial strategy or improved processes in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your technical accounting expertise, proficiency in financial software like Xero, and advanced Excel skills. Make sure to mention any experience you have in stakeholder management and process improvement, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as successful budgeting processes or cost-saving initiatives you've led. This will help demonstrate your impact in previous roles and your potential value to Celnor Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Celnor Group
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Commercial Finance Manager. Familiarise yourself with financial reporting, forecasting, and stakeholder management as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your analytical abilities and how you've used them in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've delivered insightful financial results or improved processes, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive strategic decision-making.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial procedures and technical accounting. Brush up on your knowledge of ACCA or CIMA standards, and be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms, showcasing your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Fit
Celnor Group values collaboration and a supportive environment. Be ready to discuss how you work within a team and contribute to a positive workplace culture. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with non-finance teams.
