Senior Finance Manager (12 Month FTC) in London

We are the UK’s leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Men's & Women’s Health, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Prima & Red. At Hearst UK, we don’t just create content - we shape culture. Our workplace is built on collaboration, creativity, and trust. We champion bold ideas, embrace innovation, and continually evolve to meet the moment - all while celebrating the legacy that’s brought us here. We believe in each other’s potential and push boundaries together to make a meaningful impact, both in the media landscape and in people’s lives.

Hearst UK operate a hybrid working model of four days per week in the office and one day working from home. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

The Role… Hearst UK are in search of a Group Finance Manager to support the delivery of accurate financial reporting, strong financial control, and full compliance across the business. Managing a team of two, this role takes ownership of core finance activities including statutory accounts, tax, balance sheet integrity, audit support, and regulatory compliance, while helping to maintain a robust and efficient control environment. This role requires strong technical accounting expertise, a hands-on and proactive approach, and the ability to work closely with colleagues across finance and the wider business.

Main Duties…

• Financial accounts and reporting
  • Lead the preparation of monthly balance sheet reviews and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of outstanding items for relevant areas.
  • Prepare and review statutory financial statements in line with UK GAAP and relevant reporting requirements.
  • Support the annual external audit process, acting as a key contact for auditors and coordinating audit deliverables.
  • Review and improve accounting processes to drive efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
  • Support cash flow reporting and working capital oversight where required.
  • Partner with the wider finance team to ensure alignment between management reporting and statutory reporting.
• Tax
  • Manage UK tax compliance across the business, including corporation tax, VAT, PSA, and any other applicable taxes.
  • Coordinate the preparation and submission of VAT returns and ensure appropriate treatment of transactions.
  • Support corporation tax reporting, tax packs, and year-end tax provisioning in partnership with external advisers where relevant.
  • Monitor changes in tax legislation and assess the impact on Hearst UK.
  • Ensure appropriate documentation and controls are in place to support all tax filings and positions.
  • Act as a key point of contact for HMRC matters, queries, and correspondence as required.
• Compliance and controls
  • Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and internal control requirements.
  • Maintain and strengthen financial control frameworks, policies, and procedures.
  • Support company secretarial and statutory filing requirements, including coordination of deadlines and submissions.
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with internal and external audit recommendations.
  • Identify control weaknesses and implement practical improvements to mitigate risk.
• Business partnering and team contribution
  • Work collaboratively with teams across finance, legal, HR, payroll, and operations to ensure accurate accounting and compliance.
  • Provide technical accounting guidance to non-finance stakeholders where needed.
  • Support and mentor junior members of the finance team where applicable.
  • Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance.

What We Are Looking For… Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Strong technical accounting experience, within a UK-based business environment. Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing external audits. Good working knowledge of UK tax compliance, particularly VAT and corporation tax. Strong understanding of financial controls, compliance, and risk management. Experience operating in a fast-paced commercial organisation. Strong Excel skills and familiarity with finance systems and ERPs. Able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities with strong attention to detail. Clear communicator with the confidence to work across different levels of the business.

Benefits… (Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras—they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.) Hearst Exclusives - Only for You! Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink. Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support. Get active and stress-free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme. Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it. Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them. Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness - Boost Your Budget Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting. Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs. Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.