At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and support strategic decisions for a national recycling initiative.
- Company: Join Exchange for Change, a purpose-driven organisation transforming waste management in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 34 days holiday, hybrid working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental change while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in commercial finance and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
At Exchange for Change, we are building something the UK has never had before.
Working across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are designing and delivering a Deposit Return Scheme from the ground up, creating a system that helps reduce litter and waste by encouraging people to return their empty drinks bottles and cans for recycling.
We are industry led, and driven by purpose. A national movement with a clear mission. No bottle unreturned. No can left behind.
This is not just another job.
This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful work, shape a landmark national programme, and help deliver lasting positive impact for people, businesses and the planet alike.
Your role
The Finance Manager – Commercial plays a key role in supporting strategic decision-making and driving financial performance across the organisation.
This role is responsible for providing high-quality financial analysis, commercial insight, and business partnering to operational and commercial teams.
The post-holder will ensure robust financial control while identifying opportunities to enhance organisation efficiency whilst ensuring the delivery of organisational objectives.
Key Responsibilities & Priorities
- Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted finance partner to senior stakeholders across commercial and operational teams.
- Provide insightful financial analysis to support analysis on return handling fees, producer fees, deposit levels and other core analysis of the operational performance of the Deposit Return Scheme.
- Challenge and influence business decisions to maximise commercial outcomes.
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Support the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes for commercial areas of the business.
- Analyse variances against budget/forecast and provide clear commentary and recommendations.
- Develop and maintain financial models to support strategic initiatives and business cases.
- Monitor key financial and operational KPIs to ensure performance targets are met.
- Reporting & Controls
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with company policies and accounting standards.
- Maintain strong financial controls and governance across commercial activities.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes where required.
- Collaborate with Financial Control teams to ensure integrity of financial data.
- Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Operations, IT, People and Procurement.
- Present financial performance and insights to senior leadership.
- Influence and support decision-making at a strategic level.
- Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Mentor and support junior finance team members where applicable.
- Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and reporting quality.
- Contribute to finance transformation initiatives and system enhancements.
About you
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant experience in a commercial finance or business partnering role within a large organisation.
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
- Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong understanding of financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Commercial acumen.
- Strategic thinking.
- Influencing and negotiation.
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Communication and storytelling with data.
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
The opportunity
Work that makes a difference - and a place where you can too.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help establish a scheme of national importance, working with purpose-driven colleagues and partners to deliver visible, real-world impact.
You’ll contribute directly to meaningful environmental and social change and in return, we support and reward our team through a range of benefits and initiatives, including:
- Competitive base salary
- Bonus scheme
- 34 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, additional holidays for length of service
- Flexibility with holidays. You may work on a local public holiday and take an alternative day off, giving you the freedom to celebrate the days that matter most to you.
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Life Insurance: Cover of 4 times base salary
- Private Medical Insurance: Includes GP access and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
- Income protection
- Family Leave: Maternity, adoption, parental, and paternity leave policies will be developed to be progressive and inclusive.
- Hybrid Working: 60% office or field-based and 40% home-based, with some flexibility according to business and personal needs.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Commercial
✨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 Exchange for Change. 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 - Commercial
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 Exchange for Change.
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 Exchange for Change'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 Exchange for Change
✨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 Exchange for Change.
✨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 Exchange for Change 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 Exchange for Change 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.
