At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of financial management and drive insights for decision-making.
- Company: Join a dynamic biotech company transforming healthcare with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial strategy during an exciting growth phase.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in fast-paced financial environments.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Description
Most finance roles leave you buried in month end while someone else makes the decisions that matter.
This one doesn't.
You'll take full ownership of the Cambridge site's finances at a company that has just gone from independent UK biotech to part of a major global organisation.
Lex Diagnostics builds ultra fast cartridge based PCR systems that deliver results in minutes, not hours.
The technology is already changing how clinics work.
Now the finance function needs to keep pace as we scale manufacturing, commercialise the first products, and integrate with a much larger parent company.
What you'll actually do
You'll run the day-to-day financial management of the site — accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, cash, and a controlled month end.
You'll own the weekly cash flow forecast so leadership always knows where we stand.
You'll lead the quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting cycles, challenge the numbers that come in, and turn them into plans people can actually use.
You'll prepare the monthly management packs that go in front of the site CEO and senior team, and you'll be the main point of contact for the external auditors and tax advisors (including Research and Development Expenditure Creditor RDEC).
You'll keep the balance sheet clean and the controls tight.
And you'll spend a lot of time talking to operational leaders and colleagues in global finance, treasury, shared services, corporate accounting, so the numbers support real decisions rather than just reporting them after the fact.
This is a hands on role. You'll still get your hands dirty in the detail, but the real value is in the insight and the partnership.
Who this will suit
You're a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) who has already run financial management, reporting and business partnering in a fast-moving environment.
You know your way around month-end, statutory accounts, budgeting and forecasting.
You're comfortable with IFRS or UK GAAP and you understand how proper controls actually protect a growing business.
You're good with numbers and better with people.
You can sit with an operational manager and help them see the financial consequences of their choices without making them feel stupid.
You can prioritise when everything feels urgent.
Advanced Excel and experience with an ERP (SAP or Syteline are useful) will make the first few months easier. Any exposure to US GAAP or RDEC claims is a bonus, not a requirement.
- The practical bits
- 12-month fixed-term contract
- Hybrid — minimum three days a week onsite SG86EE
- Flexible around the busy periods (month-end, year-end, budget season)
- No regular travel expected
You'll report to the offsite Finance Director and work closely with the site leadership team.
We also offer fantastic employee benefits including
- Employer pension contribution of 10% (+3% personal contribution)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life insurance
- 25 days' annual holiday plus bank holidays
- Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre
If the idea of owning a site's finance function during a genuine growth and integration phase appeals more than another year of business-as-usual reporting, click apply or send a short note saying why this one caught your eye.
Finance Manager - 12-month fixed term contract in London employer: LEX Diagnostics
LEX Diagnostics is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about molecular biology and quality control. Located in a vibrant startup environment, we offer our employees ample opportunities for professional growth, collaboration across teams, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field of diagnostics. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and quality in every aspect of our work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - 12-month fixed term contract 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.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like LEX Diagnostics.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like LEX Diagnostics might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - 12-month fixed term contract in London
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 LEX Diagnostics 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 LEX Diagnostics. 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 LEX Diagnostics confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at LEX Diagnostics
✨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 LEX Diagnostics.
✨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 LEX Diagnostics 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.
