Commercial Finance Lead – Fixed-Term (Acquisitions) in London

Commercial Finance Lead – Fixed-Term (Acquisitions) in London

London Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
HarperCollins UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the commercial finance team and oversee budgeting and forecasting for publishing.
  • Company: Collins, a leading publisher based in London.
  • Benefits: Fixed-term contract with competitive pay and valuable experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity to deputise for the Commercial Director and grow your career.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by managing finances for exciting acquisitions in publishing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in presenting financial information to senior stakeholders is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Collins in London is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the division’s commercial finance team, oversee budgeting, forecasting and monthly reporting for its broad publishing portfolio. You will prepare investment cases for acquisitions, manage month-end processes and liaise with licensors, deputising for the Commercial Director as required.

This is a fixed-term contract from September 2026 to August 2027. Experience presenting financial information to senior stakeholders is essential.

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Commercial Finance Lead – Fixed-Term (Acquisitions) in London employer: HarperCollins UK

HarperCollins UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented Editorial team and collaborate across departments, ensuring your contributions directly impact the success of market-leading titles. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in publishing.

HarperCollins UK

Contact Details:

HarperCollins UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Lead – Fixed-Term (Acquisitions) in London

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

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Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Lead – Fixed-Term (Acquisitions) in London

Commercial Finance Management
Budgeting
Forecasting
Monthly Reporting
Investment Case Preparation
Month-End Processes
Stakeholder Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at HarperCollins UK will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at HarperCollins UK. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give HarperCollins UK confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins UK

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with HarperCollins UK.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure HarperCollins UK that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.