At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, manage accounts, and ensure compliance across the firm.
- Company: PEM, a leading firm of accountants and business advisers in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Engage in community support through the PEM Charitable Trust and make a difference.
- Why this job: Join a trusted firm with a commitment to community and career development.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong reporting skills, and excellent attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Drive financial excellence at PEM the largest firm of accountants, tax and business advisers in Cambridge with a culture built on trust, growth and collaboration.
Applications close at
12:00 noon on Thursday 27th August .
Role summary
To manage the day-to-day finance function, oversee the finance team, prepare accurate and timely management accounts, and coordinate key compliance activity across the firm.
This is a busy and varied role requiring strong technical finance knowledge, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage deadlines, processes and people effectively.
Why PEM?
Founded in Cambridge in 1875, PEM has grown to become one of the region’s leading firms of accountants, tax and business advisers.
While much has changed over the years, our commitment to people, relationships and exceptional client service remains at the heart of everything we do.
We’re proud to support a diverse range of organisations, from owner-managed businesses and technology companies to some of the most respected charities and not-for-profit organisations in the UK.
- When You Join PEM, You’ll Find
- A collaborative and supportive culture where knowledge and expertise are shared openly.
- An experienced Finance team with a broad range of skills and professional knowledge.
- The opportunity to work collaboratively with teams across the firm.
- Meaningful opportunities for progression, professional growth and leadership development.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support life outside of work.
- A firm that genuinely invests in building long-term careers.
What will you be doing day to day?
- Lead the finance team by managing workload, coaching staff and acting as the first point of escalation.
- Ensure smooth operational delivery through deadline management, team cover and handling routine finance queries.
- Own the month‑end process, including journals, reconciliations and maintaining ledger integrity.
- Prepare monthly management accounts with clear initial commentary.
- Maintain strong financial controls across balance sheet reconciliations, fixed assets and control accounts.
- Manage payments and expenses, reviewing invoices, payment runs, bank requests and credit card processes.
- Deliver statutory and compliance reporting including VAT, PSA, ONS submissions and audit support.
- Support debtor and credit control activity through reconciliations, aged debt reporting and escalation of overdue balances.
- Handle 4C finance processes such as invoicing, journals, payment runs and pension submissions.
- Drive systems and process improvements across Business Central, CCH, Xero and Concur.
- Document and maintain finance procedures to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Provide firm‑wide finance support, escalating strategic matters where appropriate.
What are we looking for?
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in a finance role with responsibility for month-end reporting and management accounts
- Strong knowledge of finance systems and ability to work accurately within them
- Solid understanding of financial controls, compliance processes and accurate reporting
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities effectively
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence and ability to support, coach and develop team members
- Proactive, flexible approach to work and able to adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to provide operational finance leadership and support the Financial Controller
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience working within a professional services environment
- Life at PEM: giving back to our community
Across the firm, our people choose to support local causes through the PEM Charitable Trust.
This is a firm‑wide initiative, not a duty of this role.
Our colleagues nominate and award grants of up to £2,000 to local charities – donating over £95,000 to date and celebrating our 150th grant in 2025.
From charity challenges to volunteer days, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved if you wish – championing causes close to your heart and seeing the real-world impact of our collective work.
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Finance Manager employer: PEM
PEM is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture in our Milton office. We offer comprehensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to a welcoming environment for our clients. With a focus on teamwork and professional development, working with us means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like PEM. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to PEM.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on PEM's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PEM
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with PEM.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at PEM will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former PEM employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
