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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and support strategic planning in a dynamic consultancy.
- Company: Join a values-led consultancy transforming public services in education and health.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive salary, bonuses, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while collaborating with passionate professionals in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in finance management and Xero.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape finance functions in a mission-driven environment.
We’re proud to be partnering with a values-led consultancy working at the heart of public services. This fast-growing firm delivers impactful transformation programmes across central government, education, and health & social care. As they enter a new growth phase, they are seeking a dynamic Finance & Commercial Manager to join the team in a broad, standalone role. You’ll be accountable for the timely, compliant, and accurate execution of core finance and commercial processes, while also supporting the successful delivery of both internal operations and external client projects.
Role Overview
Reporting to the CEO, this role will take full ownership of day-to-day financial operations, support strategic financial planning, and lead commercial processes across the business. It’s a hands-on, collaborative post that requires both operational rigour and proactive problem-solving.
Location & Package
• Office based role with the option of work from home on a Friday - Central London
• £50,000 – £70,000 salary DOE
• Up to 20% annual bonus (company + personal performance)
• 25 days’ holiday (rising to 30 with service)
• Private medical and dental cover
• 4% employer pension contributions
Key Responsibilities of the Commercial Finance Manager
- Finance Operations & Reporting
• Manage all core transactional finance processes using Xero, including timely reconciliation of transactions, maintaining the balance sheet and asset register, and issuing accurate client invoices in collaboration with project leads.
• Prepare and maintain a 52-week cash flow forecast, aligned to the P&L and balance sheet, with reasonable assumptions around payables and receivables.
• Collaborate with the firm’s external accountants to:
o Process monthly payroll
o Submit accurate VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory returns (e.g. HMRC, ONS)
o Produce timely and accurate management accounts and financial reports for senior leaders
• Support financial forecasting and modelling, including scenario planning, investment appraisals, and other ad hoc analysis. - Client & Commercial Management
• Lead the full client contracting process, including preparation of letters of engagement, securing POs, and ensuring timely contract signature using firm-approved templates.
• Manage operational relationships with clients’ commercial and finance teams, ensuring prompt resolution of any payment or contractual queries.
• Oversee mobilisation and closure processes for all client engagements, ensuring agreed actions and documentation are completed and auditable. - Supplier & Associate Oversight
• Manage financial and commercial relationships with associates and suppliers, including contracting, purchase order administration, and relationship management.
• Support delivery of complex, multi-party engagements such as international education programmes and managed service contracts, ensuring commercial arrangements are clear, compliant, and effectively managed. - Governance & Strategic Support
• Maintain up-to-date and value-for-money insurance coverage, aligned with client and regulatory requirements.
• Provide commercial input into leadership decisions on pricing, delivery models, and procurement strategies.
What We’re Looking For in the Commercial Finance Manager
• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end finance in a small organisation
• Strong working knowledge of Xero or similar systems
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across internal teams and client stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail, with a proactive and analytical mindset
• Experience working with an educational setting, ideally within a Training Provider
• It would be an advantage to hold experience working within a small Consultancy/Service Provider
• Comfortable working autonomously, prioritising a wide range of responsibilities.
This is a brilliant opportunity for a commercially aware finance professional to shape and lead the finance and commercial function of a mission-led consultancy making real change in public services. Interested? Apply today or get in touch with Simon Atkins 07894 752230 for more detail.
Commercial Finance Manager- Education Consultancy Services employer: Newcastle Perms (296)
Contact Detail:
Newcastle Perms (296) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager- Education Consultancy Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Xero or similar finance systems, as this role requires strong working knowledge of such tools. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to brush up on your skills, which will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education consultancy sector. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, giving you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing end-to-end finance processes in small organisations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully handled financial operations and client relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's values and recent projects in public services. Understanding their mission and how they impact education and health sectors will help you align your answers with their goals, showcasing your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager- Education Consultancy Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and commercial management, particularly in educational settings or consultancy. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the education sector and your understanding of the consultancy's mission. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications in your application. If you have experience with Xero or similar systems, make sure to mention this as it is a key requirement for the role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've proactively solved financial issues or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and operational rigour, which are essential for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle Perms (296)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial forecasting, cash flow management, and the use of Xero or similar systems. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the consultancy sector.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
This role requires proactive problem-solving abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated financial challenges or improved processes. Highlight your analytical mindset and how it has led to positive outcomes.
✨Understand the Consultancy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the education consultancy sector and the specific challenges it faces. Being able to discuss current trends and how they impact financial operations will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this position involves working closely with various teams and clients, be ready to discuss your communication skills and collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships and resolved conflicts in previous roles.
