At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape pricing strategies and improve profitability while supporting key commercial decisions.
- Company: Join CMS, a leading international law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on profitability and growth while engaging with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance or analytical roles; strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At CMS, our Commercial Finance team plays a central role in shaping pricing strategy, improving profitability, and supporting commercial decision‑making across the business. Working closely with partners, practice group and sector leaders as well as senior business leaders, we help drive sustainable growth in line with the firm’s strategy, and ensure the firm delivers value to both clients and the business. We are looking for a commercially minded and analytically strong Commercial Finance Manager to join our growing team. This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional finance and play a key role in pricing, profitability, client strategy and commercial decision‑making within a leading international law firm.
The Role
As a Commercial Finance Manager, you will act as a trusted adviser to partners and senior stakeholders, helping them make better commercial decisions and improve financial performance.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Partnering with practice, sector and regional leadership teams to identify opportunities to improve profitability and commercial performance.
- Supporting the development of pricing strategies and commercial solutions for significant client opportunities, panel appointments and strategic tenders.
- Building financial models and delivering clear analysis, insight and recommendations to support decision‑making.
- Challenging and influencing stakeholders to improve pricing discipline, matter management and financial outcomes.
- Delivering training and coaching to partners and fee earners on pricing, profitability, financial management and commercial best practice.
- Supporting strategic initiatives led by the Head of Commercial Finance and Senior Commercial Finance Managers.
- Coaching and developing junior members of the team, contributing to a collaborative and high‑performing culture.
About You
You are commercially curious, analytically rigorous and confident engaging with senior stakeholders. You enjoy solving complex problems, influencing decision‑making and translating financial analysis into practical commercial recommendations.
You Will Ideally Have:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), although this is not essential for candidates with relevant experience.
- Experience in commercial finance, pricing, FP&A, business partnering or a similar analytical role.
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear and actionable insight.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior decision‑makers.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset and a genuine interest in improving commercial performance.
- Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment, managing multiple priorities and delivering high‑quality outputs to demanding deadlines.
- Experience within legal, professional services or other partnership‑based environments would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Why CMS?
This role offers exposure to senior leaders across the firm, involvement in high‑profile commercial decisions, and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on profitability and growth. You will join a collaborative team with a strong reputation across the business and a genuine commitment to development and progression.
What’s in it for you? Benefits
We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:
- Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
- Flexible, hybrid working policy
- Generous bonus scheme
- Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
- Holiday exchange scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website. Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.
Commercial Finance Manager in Bristol employer: CMS UK
At CMS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. As a Commercial Finance Manager, you will have the opportunity to engage with senior leaders, influence key commercial decisions, and contribute to our commitment to sustainable growth. With a flexible working policy, competitive benefits, and a focus on employee development, CMS is dedicated to creating a rewarding environment for all team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager in Bristol
✨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 CMS UK. 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 Commercial Finance Manager in Bristol
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 CMS UK.
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 CMS UK'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 CMS UK
✨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 CMS UK.
✨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 CMS UK 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 CMS UK 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.
