At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial insights and support decision-making for senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join the largest independent chartered accountants in South West England.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a certified Great Place to Work with a focus on wellbeing and development.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and drive growth in a dynamic professional services environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong analytical and people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
In a nutshell
Are you a commercially astute finance leader who thrives on influencing decision-making and driving performance?
Were looking for a Senior Commercial Finance Manager to provide high-quality financial and commercial insight to Finance Partners and senior stakeholders across the business.
Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, this role plays a critical part in enabling the firm to achieve its financial objectives through robust analysis, trusted advice and forward-looking commercial support.
This is an opportunity to operate as a true business partner - shaping strategy, driving efficiency and supporting sustainable growth in a dynamic professional services environment.
- What youll be doing day to day
- Acting as a trusted commercial partner to Finance Partners and budget holders, providing clear, timely and insightful financial information to support effective decision-making.
- Delivering high-quality financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting and performance reporting, including variance analysis and ad-hoc business insights.
- Acting as a sounding board on new initiatives, identifying commercial risks and opportunities at an early stage.
- Establishing and embedding effective processes for regular performance reviews, offering the right balance of challenge and support.
- Collaborating with local and central teams to ensure an efficient, effective and joined-up finance service.
- Researching market and competitor activity to inform commercial thinking and best practice.
- Designing and delivering training to the wider business to improve financial understanding and commercial performance.
- Building strong relationships with Partners, Directors and senior stakeholders, confidently leading stakeholder meetings and influencing change.
- Supporting and developing team members through coaching, feedback and performance management.
- Contributing to the development and delivery of the departments operational strategy.
- Actively promoting the firms ESG, wellbeing, inclusion and diversity initiatives, and encouraging sustainable ways of working.
About you
- Professionally qualified (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with strong, relevant post-qualification experience.
- Proven experience in financial planning, analysis, forecasting, budgeting and commercial decision support, ideally within a complex or professional services environment.
- Strong people management experience, with a track record of developing and coaching others.
- Advanced Microsoft skills, particularly Excel, with the ability to translate data into meaningful insights.
- Commercially minded, with a clear understanding of how finance adds value to a business.
- Confident communicator with the presence and credibility to influence at Partner and Director level.
- Highly organised, resilient and able to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable driving change and improvement across the business.
- Why work at PKF Francis Clark
As the largest firm of independent chartered accountants and business advisers in South West England, PKF Francis Clark offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career in the way thats right for you.
Established in 1919, weve grown to nearly 1,000 people across offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.
Our size means we can offer ambitious work with exciting clients and a friendly, supportive culture.
We want you to belong, be yourself and do your best work as part of a forward-thinking team, with a flexible approach to hybrid working and a strong focus on wellbeing, learning and development.
For the past four years, PKF Francis Clark has been certified as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UKs Best Workplaces, rising to 6th out of 100 large organisations.
Were a top 10 Best Workplace for Women, as well as being ranked for Wellbeing, Development, and Consulting and Professional Services.
These rankings are compiled by Great Place to Work, based on confidential, independent feedback from our people.
In addition, were one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
Being a Certified B Corp means were held to high standards for environmental and social performance.
Were independently assessed to ensure we support our people, act responsibly and make long-term decisions that balance people and planet.
Were proudly independent, while collaborating internationally through the PKF Global family of firms.
Together were the 13th largest provider of accountancy services in the UK, with connections to like-minded advisers in 150 countries.
- Your core benefits
- Financial wellbeing
- Group personal pension to help you build your future savings through employer and employee contributions
- Group life assurance providing cover up to four times your basic annual salary
- Group income protection available after six months service
- Health cash plan giving money back on everyday health costs, with free cover for up to four dependent children (up to age 24 in full-time education) and the option to add a partner or spouse
- Mental wellbeing
- Counselling and emotional support for you and your immediate family
- Virtual GP and second opinion services for you and your immediate family
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders for confidential, peer to peer support
- Physical wellbeing
- Group private medical insurance, providing access to diagnosis and treatment
- Cycle to work scheme, with the option to purchase a bike and accessories up to £4,000*
- Discounted membership at gyms, pools and studios across the UK
- Digital health and wellbeing tools available through the employee health cash plan
- Support for colleagues experiencing menopause, as part of our Menopause Workplace Pledge, including webinars and a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for ongoing support
- Additional benefits
- Family friendly benefits, including enhanced pay, family leave coaching sessions and a parent network
- The option to buy up to five extra days of holiday (pro rata for part-time colleagues) *
- One paid volunteering day each year to support local organisations
- Electric vehicle lease scheme (grade and pay criteria apply) *
- Gifts to mark key career and family milestones
- Expert led webinars on mental, physical and financial wellbeing
- Francis Clark Charitable Foundation, offering support for current and former employees experiencing financial hardship
- These benefits are provided via a salary exchange and are subject to employees post exchange hourly rate remaining above the national minimum wage
- Additional information
Please be aware that the job title used internally may not align exactly with the title displayed in this advert
TPBN1_UKTJ
Finance Business Partner (Senior Commercial Finance Manager) in Torquay employer: FRANCIS CLARK
PKF Francis Clark is an exceptional employer, renowned for its supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, the firm offers a range of benefits including flexible hybrid working, comprehensive health plans, and opportunities for career growth, making it an ideal place for finance professionals to thrive in the vibrant South West England region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (Senior Commercial Finance Manager) in Torquay
✨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 FRANCIS CLARK. 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 Business Partner (Senior Commercial Finance Manager) in Torquay
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 FRANCIS CLARK.
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 FRANCIS CLARK'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 FRANCIS CLARK
✨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 FRANCIS CLARK.
✨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 FRANCIS CLARK 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 FRANCIS CLARK 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.
