At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage month-end processes, and drive process improvements.
- Company: Professional services company in Central London with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working with 3 days in the office and a culture of continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a high-performing finance team and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in shared services and team management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced Senior Finance Manager or Financial Controller to oversee and elevate the Shared Services finance function for a professional services company.
You will take ownership of the month-end close process, be hands-on and into the detail, while also managing and guiding the team of 6 to deliver accurate, timely, and high-quality outputs.
In this role, you will lead a multi-disciplinary finance team, ensuring they are fully cross-trained to provide seamless cover during periods of absence. You will implement structured personal development plans, support career progression, and build a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
A key part of your remit will be to act as the primary finance business partner for companies across the group. You will build strong relationships with stakeholders, provide clear financial insight, and ensure the Shared Services team is recognised as a trusted, high-performing partner.
Your responsibilities include:
- Team management: Manage a team of 6 including P2P, expenses and management accounts. Drive development and establish cross-training.
- Financial reporting and month-end: Lead the month-end close process, provide hands-on support during peak periods, resolve high-level queries, and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including corporation tax and VAT deadlines. Own shared services P&L reporting and commentary for Group FC and CFO. Support the Group FC in delivering audit requirements and timelines.
- Business Partnering: Act as a key business-facing contact for Finance Managers and Financial Controllers across multiple companies. Hold regular P&L and balance sheet review meetings. Provide insights, metrics, and constructively challenge stakeholders.
- Projects: Drive process improvement, support the implementation of AI and technology-enabled finance solutions, and promote a continuous improvement culture across the function. Ensure finance processes are scalable and aligned across the group.
Skills and experience required:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience leading a shared services or central finance function.
- Strong month-end and financial reporting experience with the ability to balance hands-on delivery and oversight.
- Experience managing and developing teams.
- Exposure and enthusiasm for process improvement, automation and finance transformation initiatives.
Senior Finance Manager - Shared Services in London employer: Trace | Expert Accountancy & Finance Recruitment
Join a dynamic professional services company in Central London, where you will thrive in a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on team management and personal development plans, this role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing finance team while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working environment, including three days a week in the office. Embrace the chance to make a meaningful impact as you partner with stakeholders and drive process improvements in a supportive atmosphere that values accountability and continuous learning.
Contact Details:
Trace | Expert Accountancy & Finance Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager - Shared Services in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in shared services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your business partnering skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships and provided financial insights in previous roles. We want to see that you can connect with stakeholders effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Think about examples where you've managed teams and driven development. We love to see candidates who can inspire and elevate their teams while ensuring high-quality outputs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are keen on process improvement and finance transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager - Shared Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Finance Manager. Highlight your experience in team management, month-end processes, and business partnering. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements or managed teams effectively.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications! Being a fully qualified accountant is key for us, so make sure we can easily spot your ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent credentials in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trace | Expert Accountancy & Finance Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed month-end processes in the past. Be specific about your contributions and the impact they had on the business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've developed team members, implemented cross-training, and fostered a culture of accountability and continuous learning. Highlight any successful projects that showcase your ability to lead effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Business partnering is crucial in this position. Think about how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your financial insights influenced decision-making or improved collaboration across departments.
✨Embrace Change and Innovation
With a focus on process improvement and technology, be ready to discuss your experience with automation and finance transformation initiatives. Share your thoughts on how AI can enhance finance functions and provide examples of how you've driven change in your previous roles.
