At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage UK finance operations, including accounts, budgeting, and mentoring a finance apprentice.
- Company: Established engineering consultancy with a collaborative culture and global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, full study support, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain real ownership and develop your skills in a dynamic, growing environment.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified ACCA or CIMA with strong management accounts experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role. Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
Harmonic are proud to be retained by a well-established specialist engineering consultancy in their search for a Finance Manager. This is a great opportunity for a part-qualified accountant who wants real ownership, excellent study support, and a business that will genuinely invest in their development.
The Client
Our client is an SME specialist consultancy with over 20 years in their field, working with some of the UK's most prominent developers, property owners and design teams on complex, high-profile projects. They have offices across the UK and an established international presence in the US and are expanding into Europe and the Middle East. Last year, the business was acquired by a major international group, a 500-person firm with global reach and ambitious plans for European growth. Day-to-day, the business continues to operate as the close-knit SME it has always been, with the same leadership team, the same culture, and the same commitment to quality. The finance function is now growing to match their future ambitions.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you will take ownership of the UK finance operations: management accounts, month-end close, board reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and financial controls. You will also mentor a Finance Assistant and work closely with the wider business on day-to-day finance queries. Alongside the core finance role, there is a meaningful transformation piece. The business is mid-way through a systems and process overhaul, including recurring revenue and invoicing changes, and is beginning to integrate newly acquired UK businesses. You will be involved in both. The Finance Director is collaborative and present, and there is genuine autonomy and a clear expectation that you will bring your own thinking and take ownership of your area.
Responsibilities
- Own the month-end close process and produce monthly management accounts with clear analysis and commentary
- Prepare board reporting packs for senior leadership
- Review and post journals, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations
- Manage budgeting, forecasting and cash flow alongside the Finance Director
- Maintain strong financial controls and support audit requirements
- Support the ongoing systems transformation, including recurring revenue and invoicing changes
- Assist with financial integration of newly acquired businesses
- Mentor and support the finance apprentice
- Liaise with external auditors on year-end statutory accounts
What We Need to See (Essential)
- Part-qualified ACCA, CIMA, ideally at the advanced or strategic stage
- Solid hands-on experience with management accounts and month-end close
- Strong Excel skills and comfort with accounting systems
- A natural problem-solver who takes initiative and finds solutions
- Clear communicator, comfortable with senior stakeholders and non-finance teams
- Naturally curious, keen to learn and driven to develop professionally
What We Would Love to See (Non-Essential)
- Experience with recurring revenue, project-based billing or revenue recognition
- Exposure to systems transformation or process improvement
- Background in professional services, consultancy or project-led environments
- Experience in a fast-growth or acquisition-led business
- AAT qualified, now pursuing ACCA or CIMA
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 + bonus + full study support
Location: London (Hybrid)
Start date: Flexible
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
Finance Manager | Specialist Engineering Consultancy | London employer: Harmonic Group Ltd
Join a dynamic and inclusive team at a well-established specialist engineering consultancy in London, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of UK finance operations while benefiting from excellent study support and professional development. With a strong commitment to quality and a collaborative work culture, this SME offers a unique blend of autonomy and mentorship, ensuring that your contributions are valued as the company expands its international presence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager | Specialist Engineering Consultancy | London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in consultancy or engineering. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your soft skills! As a Finance Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance teams. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who want to grow with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager | Specialist Engineering Consultancy | London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with management accounts and month-end close, as well as any relevant qualifications like ACCA or CIMA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to mention your problem-solving skills and your eagerness to learn – we love that!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are important, we also value soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities and your experience working with senior stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can collaborate effectively across teams!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Group Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your management accounts and month-end close processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your hands-on skills. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've tackled financial challenges or improved processes. The role requires a natural problem-solver, so think of examples that highlight your initiative and ability to find solutions, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Since you'll be liaising with senior stakeholders and non-finance teams, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Express your eagerness to learn and develop professionally. Research the company’s recent projects and their systems transformation efforts. Showing genuine interest in their work and how you can contribute will set you apart as a candidate who’s not just looking for a job, but a career.
