At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategic oversight for a diverse portfolio of creative businesses.
- Company: Join CYGNUS, an award-winning independent creative company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a supportive, fast-paced work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values innovation and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging creativity and profitability in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
CYGNUS is an award-winning independent creative company that partners with clients to deliver impactful brand, marketing, and communication solutions. The team blends strategic thinking with creative execution to help organisations stand out and grow. As an independent firm, CYGNUS offers a collaborative environment where ideas are valued and individuals can influence both client outcomes and internal practices. The company values innovation, accountability, and cross-functional teamwork, providing opportunities for professional development and meaningful contribution. Team members join a culture that is fast-paced, supportive, and focused on high-quality work.
The Finance Manager will have complete operational and strategic ownership over the entire financial operation of the WLH Group. This role spans a diverse portfolio of four distinct entities: Cygnus Limited (Creative Design), Craft House Coffee Limited (Manufacturing), White Leopard Limited (Hospitality), and One Bite At A Time Limited (Consultancy). The successful candidate will bridge the gap between creative vision and bottom-line profitability, managing month-end processes, rigorous compliance, cashflow management, and day-to-day back-office operations while collaborating closely with the Senior Leadership Team.
- Financial Reporting and Month-End Close
- Undertake and manage the full month-end close process and quarterly/yearly disclosures for all four group businesses.
- Produce accurate financial reports, Management Information (MI) decks, and statutory accounts to strict deadlines, providing detailed variance analysis and commentary.
- Ensure all financial statements prepared for Companies House strictly adhere to Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) and UK GAAP.
- Complete and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations to protect ledger integrity.
- Strategic Oversight and Performance Management
- Partner with the Finance Director and the Senior Leadership Team to establish robust internal controls, manage departmental financial health, and implement scalable processes.
- Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasts, aligning all operational teams with the group's overarching financial targets.
- Conduct continuous reviews and evaluations to identify cost-reduction opportunities and improve cost control/recognition via an upgraded purchase order process.
- Assess, coordinate, and streamline activities, procedures, and systems across the businesses to promote unified policies and practices.
- Treasury, Working Capital and Tax Management
- Monitor, manage and interpret group cash flows, predicting future trends to safeguard liquidity.
- Oversee working capital reporting and management, run proactive credit control/dunning processes to reduce aged debt and minimise bad debt risks.
- Take full ownership of group tax requirements, including calculating and submitting quarterly VAT returns, managing Corporation Tax, maximising R&D tax credit claims, and utilising group loss offsetting.
- Operations, Ledger Management and Payroll
- Oversee daily transactions in Xero/Synergist to ensure sales invoices are raised accurately and posted in a timely manner.
- Run purchase ledger operations.
Finance Manager employer: CYGNUS
At CYGNUS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Finance Manager, you will not only have the opportunity to influence financial strategies across diverse entities but also benefit from our commitment to professional development and a supportive environment that values your contributions. Located in a vibrant area, our team thrives in a fast-paced setting where creativity meets accountability, ensuring that every employee can grow and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨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 CYGNUS. 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
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 CYGNUS.
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 CYGNUS'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 CYGNUS
✨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 CYGNUS.
✨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 CYGNUS 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 CYGNUS 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.
