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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and improve processes for a vital fire and rescue service.
- Company: Join Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, one of the largest in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing accounts payable/receivable and VAT compliance required.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 56000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: 37
Salary: £50,269.00 to £55,501.00
Location: Kelvedon Park
Closing Date: 12:00pm 23rd November 2025
We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location; however, the expectation is that, as a hybrid role, your work will be balanced between home and Services facilities, and you will be expected to attend the Service premises for at least 3 days of a 5‑day working week.
The Role
Are you an experienced Finance Process Manager who would like to work for one of the largest fire and rescue services in the country? We’re looking for a detail‑oriented and proactive Finance Process Manager to lead our finance operations, including accounts payable and receivable workflows. You’ll play a key role in improving processes and supporting the financial integrity of a Service that protects lives and communities making Essex Safer Together.
What You Will Be Working On:
- Daily cash management including cashflow forecast, investment of surplus cash and transfers between operating bank accounts in accordance with bank facilities.
- Manage the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams of ECFRS, supporting the team of 4 with queries and actively improving KPI’s.
- Maintaining all balance sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis, including the reconciliation of payroll journals to HR records.
- Ownership of the month end process, including posting all prepayments, accruals, deferred income and accrued income entries.
- Managing and processing the weekly payment runs of supplier invoices to the value of up to £1m and above.
- To advise on VAT issues, manage the production of monthly VAT returns and perform the annual partial exemption calculation.
- Assist in the delivery of the year‑end financial statements, including preparation of audit deliverables and responding to audit queries.
Eligibility:
- Experience of managing accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and team.
- Experience & knowledge of VAT compliance, including VAT return submission.
- Experience with Unit 4 ERP or similar ERP financial system would be beneficial.
How to Apply:
You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and/or education history, along with a supporting statement of no more than 750 words that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria detailed in the Person Specification. You may submit this either as a Word document, PDF, or an MP3 (voice note) or MP4 (video); however, the word count of your supporting statement should not exceed 750 words no matter which format you choose to present your application. You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications) if you wish. Your CV and additional documents will be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility (e.g., your current role and any existing qualifications).
Assessment & Selection:
- Stage 1: 24th November 2025; outcomes communicated by 25th November 2025. Application & shortlisting (assessment of your supporting statement will be made against the essential criteria of the Person Specification).
- Stage 2: 4th and 5th December 2025. Role specific panel interview, presentation and an in‑tray exercise – details on this will be supplied after shortlisting.
Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the role, please contact recruitment at recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk.
Our Culture and Benefits:
Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees. You can find out more about our benefits at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits.
Safeguarding:
Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service. You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults. The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying. This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Disability Confident:
We are an equal opportunities, Disability Confident, employer who welcomes applications from everyone and values diversity in our workplace. A commitment to promoting diversity and developing a work environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect is central to our recruitment process and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Finance Process Manager employer: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Process Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with making Essex safer together!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll likely need to showcase your expertise during the interview process. Get comfortable explaining complex finance processes in a clear and engaging way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Process Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in finance processes, especially in accounts payable and receivable. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Finance Process Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to improving financial processes – we love a good success story!
Keep It Concise: Remember, your supporting statement should be no more than 750 words, regardless of the format you choose. So, get straight to the point and make every word count. We appreciate clarity and brevity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Process Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on your cash management skills and be ready to discuss your experience with accounts payable and receivable processes. Prepare specific examples of how you've improved KPIs in previous roles.
✨Master the VAT Game
Since VAT compliance is crucial for this role, make sure you understand the ins and outs of VAT returns and partial exemption calculations. Be prepared to share your experiences dealing with VAT issues and how you’ve navigated challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team, so highlight your leadership style and how you've supported your team in achieving their goals. Think of instances where you've resolved conflicts or improved team performance, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Prepare for the Practical Tasks
Expect to face an in-tray exercise during the interview process. Familiarise yourself with common finance scenarios and practice prioritising tasks effectively. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
