At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a Finance team, manage month-end reporting, and drive financial performance.
- Company: Join Chris Lewis Group, a leader in fire, security, and smart technology solutions.
- Benefits: Empowerment to make decisions, influence change, and work with senior leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance leadership roles and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Finance Manager looking for an opportunity where you can truly make a difference? At Chris Lewis Group, we're looking for a commercially minded Finance Manager to take ownership of our Finance function during a maternity cover period. Working directly with the CEO and Virtual Finance Director, you'll lead a small Finance team, drive financial performance, oversee month-end reporting, support cash flow management and help shape the future of our finance processes and systems. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious, growing business where your expertise, leadership and ideas will have a direct impact.
Why Join Chris Lewis Group? For over 30 years, Chris Lewis Group has been delivering market-leading fire, security and smart technology solutions to a wide range of prestigious commercial and private clients. We're proud of our reputation for technical excellence, exceptional customer service and long-term client relationships. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in empowering individuals to take ownership, make decisions and drive positive change.
The Role As Finance Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the Finance function while supporting the wider business with accurate financial information and strong commercial insight. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and supporting the Finance team
- Managing month-end processes and reporting deadlines
- Driving cash collection performance and aged debt management
- Maintaining robust financial controls and reconciliations
- Supporting cash flow forecasting and financial planning
- Reviewing and improving finance processes and systems
- Delivering meaningful management information and KPI reporting
- Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business
- Identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and automation
What We're Looking For You'll ideally have experience in a Finance Manager, Management Accountant or similar finance leadership role and be comfortable managing a small team. You'll also bring:
- Strong knowledge of month-end processes, reconciliations and financial controls
- Experience managing cash flow, credit control and purchase ledger functions
- Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with financial data
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset
- The ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels
- Experience using Xero (desirable)
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, or equivalent practical experience (desirable)
What Success Looks Like You'll thrive in this role if you're motivated by accountability and results, with success measured through:
- Accurate and timely financial reporting
- Effective cash flow and debt management
- Strong financial controls and governance
- Reliable management information and KPIs
- Continuous improvement in finance processes and systems
- A high-performing and well-supported Finance team
Ready for Your Next Challenge? If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership, influence business performance and work directly with senior leadership, we'd love to hear from you.
Finance Manager (Maternity Cover - 12 Month) in Oxford employer: Chris Lewis Group
As a Service & Customer Experience Coordinator, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises customer satisfaction and employee development. Our company fosters a collaborative culture where your contributions are valued, offering opportunities for growth and learning while ensuring a supportive atmosphere. Located in a vibrant area, we provide competitive benefits and a chance to make a meaningful impact on our customers' journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (Maternity Cover - 12 Month) in Oxford
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Chris Lewis Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (Maternity Cover - 12 Month) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Chris Lewis Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Chris Lewis Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chris Lewis Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Chris Lewis Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Chris Lewis Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Chris Lewis Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
