At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for Jugo, driving AI and automation in finance.
- Company: 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 significant commercial impact.
- 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.
About Jugo
Jugo is GDS Group’s SaaS business, delivering immersive virtual event and meeting experiences to enterprise clients globally. It operates as a distinct business unit within the group with its own P&L, commercial model, and growth trajectory.
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.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Jugo Financial Management
- 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 Holdings Limited
GDS Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central Bristol, where finance plays a pivotal role in driving strategic decisions. Employees benefit from a high-ownership culture, direct exposure to senior leadership, and opportunities to lead innovative AI and technology projects that enhance the finance function. With a focus on professional growth and collaboration, GDS Group fosters a supportive atmosphere for its team members to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager in Bristol
✨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.
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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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like GDS Holdings Limited. 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 Senior Finance Manager in Bristol
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 GDS Holdings Limited.
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 GDS Holdings Limited'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 GDS Holdings Limited
✨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 GDS Holdings Limited.
✨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 GDS Holdings Limited 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 GDS Holdings Limited 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.
