At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for Jugo, driving AI and automation in finance.
- Company: Join GDS Group, a global media and events business based in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, high-ownership role, and direct exposure to senior leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for meaningful impact and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance with AI and technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in senior finance roles and a passion for tech.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Central Bristol (Queens Square, Bristol)
Basic salary: £75,000 + (DOE)
About GDS Group
GDS Group is a global media and events business headquartered in Bristol, connecting senior technology leaders through summits, content, and digital experiences. We operate across multiple entities spanning the UK, US, and Europe, working with some of the world’s largest technology brands. Finance sits at the heart of how we run the business — providing the reporting, controls, and commercial insight that drive decision-making at the highest level. Jugo is GDS Group’s SaaS business, delivering immersive virtual event and meeting experiences to enterprise clients globally.
The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Finance Manager to join our Bristol-based team, reporting directly to the VP Finance. The primary focus of this role is owning the end-to-end financial management of Jugo — our fast-growing SaaS business — while also playing a lead role in driving AI and automation across the finance function.
You’ll be the finance lead for Jugo:
- Producing management accounts, building and maintaining financial models, supporting commercial decision-making, and ensuring robust controls and compliance for the entity.
- Working with the VP Finance to identify and implement AI-powered tools and processes that improve how the wider finance team operates.
This is a role for someone who is technically strong, commercially curious, and excited by the opportunity to apply modern technology to transform the finance function.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Acting as the dedicated finance lead for Jugo, owning the full P&L and balance sheet for the entity.
- Producing accurate monthly management accounts and financial reporting for Jugo, with clear commercial commentary for senior leadership.
- Building and maintaining financial models to support Jugo’s budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
- Partnering closely with the Jugo leadership team to provide financial insight that supports commercial decisions — pricing, investment, headcount, and growth planning.
- Ensuring robust financial controls and compliance for the Jugo entity, including audit readiness and statutory obligations.
- Tracking SaaS-specific KPIs (ARR, churn, LTV, CAC) and translating them into financial performance narratives.
AI & automation
- Leading the identification and implementation of AI tools and automation across the finance function.
- Working with the VP Finance to build and execute a roadmap for AI adoption — from automating routine processes to enhancing reporting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Evaluating and deploying finance technology solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and insight across the team.
- Acting as the finance team’s internal champion for technology-led process improvement.
Financial control & compliance
- Supporting the year-end statutory accounts process and audit management for relevant entities.
- Ensuring compliance with UK GAAP/IFRS requirements and relevant regulatory obligations.
- Overseeing VAT, corporation tax, and other compliance filings in coordination with external advisors.
What We’re Looking For
- Fully qualified accountant — ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
- Solid post-qualification experience in a similar senior finance role.
- A genuine passion for AI and technology — with demonstrable, hands-on experience of applying AI or automation tools to improve finance processes.
- Experience in or strong appetite for SaaS or technology business finance — comfortable with SaaS metrics and recurring revenue models.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge — management accounts, financial controls, statutory reporting, and compliance.
- Confident with FP&A — budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modelling.
- Commercially minded — able to act as a genuine finance business partner to non-finance leadership.
- Advanced Excel skills; comfortable building and interrogating financial models from scratch.
- Strong communicator — able to operate credibly with senior leadership and present financial insight clearly.
- Self-starter who thrives with autonomy and takes full ownership of their output.
Nice to Have
- Experience working within a SaaS or subscription-based business.
- Exposure to media, events, or technology sector businesses.
- Experience implementing or working with NetSuite or similar ERP platforms.
- Hands-on experience with LLM-based workflows, AI-assisted reporting, or finance process automation tools.
What We Offer
- Salary £75,000 + depending on experience.
- Based full-time at our Bristol office.
- A high-ownership role with a clearly defined remit and genuine commercial impact.
- Direct exposure to the Chairman and senior leadership team.
- The opportunity to lead meaningful AI and technology projects that will shape how the finance function operates.
- A collaborative, commercially driven environment where finance has a genuine seat at the table.
Senior Finance Manager in Bristol employer: GDS Group
GDS Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Bristol, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With uncapped earning potential and clear pathways for career progression, employees are empowered to engage with leading technology brands and C-suite executives, making a real impact in the industry. The company prioritises employee well-being through wellness classes and provides a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and tech sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand GDS Group’s mission and values, especially how they integrate AI into their finance function. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past work, especially any experience with financial modelling or AI tools. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used technology to improve processes in previous roles — it’ll set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Finance Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with financial management, SaaS metrics, and any AI tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for finance and technology, and explain why you're excited about the opportunity at GDS Group. Let us know how you can contribute to our team and the Jugo business.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it's improving financial processes or leading successful projects, we love to see quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at GDS Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDS Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to SaaS businesses, like ARR, churn, and LTV. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Tech Savvy
GDS Group is looking for someone who is passionate about AI and technology. Prepare examples of how you've implemented AI tools or automation in finance processes. This will show that you can bring innovative solutions to the table.
✨Be a Business Partner
The role requires you to partner with non-finance leadership. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders. Highlight your ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business strategies.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
With a focus on financial controls and compliance, be ready to discuss your experience with UK GAAP/IFRS and audit processes. Familiarise yourself with common compliance challenges in the finance sector and how you've navigated them in previous roles.
