At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and provide strategic insights in a dynamic life sciences company.
- Company: Join a progressive life sciences organisation near Stansted, making a real impact in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and generous annual leave plus bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team with opportunities for career progression and international exposure.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified with at least 3 years' experience and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Potential for team leadership as the organisation expands; great transport links and free parking.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client, a progressive life sciences company near Stansted, seeks an accomplished Finance Manager to join their expanding team. This hybrid role offers an excellent opportunity for Big 4 trained professionals looking to make a significant impact within a dynamic commercial environment.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Financial Director, this permanent position offers hybrid working. The successful candidate will oversee financial operations whilst providing strategic business insight across the organisation. Based in the Stansted area on the Hertfordshire and Essex border with great public transport links and free parking.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive the monthly financial close process and reconciliations
- Contribute to management accounts and financial reporting
- Partner with senior leadership on budgeting and forecasting
- Provide financial guidance to operational teams and project managers
- Develop and implement improved financial controls and processes
- Manage accounts receivable/payable functions including query resolution
- Support external audit requirements and compliance activities
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns and assist with R&D tax credit claims
- Establish standardised financial procedures and documentation
- Potential for team leadership as the organisation continues to grow
Essential Requirements
- CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualification with Big 4 training preferred
- Minimum 3 years' post-qualification experience
- Proven ability to analyse and communicate financial information effectively
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities
- Experience in fast-growth organisations
- Exposure to M&A activities (desirable)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and strong organisational abilities
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
- Clear ambition for career progression in finance
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Competitive salary of £60,000-£65,000 per annum
- Attractive performance-based bonus scheme
- Flexible hybrid working arrangement (3 days office/2 days home)
- 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Additional discretionary leave for birthday and work anniversary
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Private healthcare coverage
- Employee ownership scheme participation
- Structured professional development and mentoring
- Employee assistance programme
- International exposure working with global stakeholders
Finance Manager employer: Insite Public Practice Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Insite Public Practice Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at organisations like ours.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial management within the life sciences sector. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial controls and processes, as well as your ability to partner with senior leadership. Be ready to provide examples of how you've contributed to budgeting and forecasting in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your advanced Excel skills by being prepared to discuss specific functions or analyses you've performed. Highlighting your analytical capabilities can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualifications and any Big 4 training. Emphasise your experience in financial operations, budgeting, and forecasting, as these are key responsibilities for the Finance Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive financial processes and provide strategic insights, aligning with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Showcase your advanced Excel skills and analytical capabilities in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, particularly in fast-growth organisations or during M&A activities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are well-organised and clearly formatted to reflect your meticulous attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Insite Public Practice Recruitment Limited
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial operations, particularly in areas like budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Highlight specific examples where you've driven improvements or provided strategic insights.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, be ready to talk about how you've used Excel in past positions. Consider preparing a few examples of complex analyses you've conducted and the impact they had on decision-making.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner, as you may need to explain these to non-financial stakeholders during the interview.
✨Express Your Career Ambitions
The company is looking for someone self-motivated with clear ambitions for career progression. Be honest about your career goals and how this position aligns with them, showing your enthusiasm for growth within the finance sector.