At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance while supporting business growth.
- Company: Fast-growing PE-backed tech company in the consumer services sector.
- Benefits: Professional development support, competitive salary, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture with opportunities for career advancement and ownership.
- Why this job: Join a team committed to innovation and make a real impact in a scaling business.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field, with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Zanda is an Executive search partner that works exclusively with high growth start-ups and scale-ups as they look to scale their business with senior talent. Zanda partners with VCs, Founders, CEOs, CFOs and CPOs when it comes to successfully delivering on key senior appointments.
We are supporting a fast-growing, PE backed tech company operating in a long-established consumer services industry. Part of a well-known and highly regarded UK group, the business is on a clear scale path with ambitions to become a household name. It operates across multiple legal entities and is building out a high-calibre team to support its next stage of growth. The culture is fast-paced, ownership-driven, and genuinely committed to developing its people, including funded support towards professional qualifications and exams.
What you'll do
- You'll sit at the heart of the finance function, owning core accounting processes end-to-end as the business scales across multiple entities.
- This is a hands-on role with real ownership, spanning ledger integrity and reconciliations through to management reporting and compliance.
- You'll be responsible for the accuracy and commercial usefulness of the company's financial data, improving the systems and controls that allow senior leadership to operate with confidence and clarity.
- Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
- Manage month-end close, reconciliations (bank, expenses, accruals and prepayments) and financial controls.
- Monitor and track expenses and departmental budgets, flagging variances and supporting cost control.
- Work closely with external accountants, auditors and vendors to ensure compliance and smooth reporting cycles.
- Optimise and improve financial systems, processes and reporting tools as the business scales, including automation where possible.
- Conduct ad-hoc financial analysis to support commercial decisions and operational planning.
- Own finance-related aspects of employee onboarding and offboarding (payroll, systems access, documentation).
Experience required
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or similar, and working towards (or planning to pursue) a professional accounting qualification.
- 3 to 5+ years' experience in finance, accounting or a management accounting role.
- Ability to thrive in the fast pace of the start-up world.
- Strong grounding in accounting fundamentals, comfortable reconciling ledgers, reviewing balance sheets and preparing management accounts.
- Highly detail-oriented, with the discipline to manage high-volume transactional work accurately.
- Confident working across multiple entities and reconciling complex accounts.
- Strong Excel or Google Sheets capability, with hands-on experience using Xero in a multi-entity environment.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, scaling environment where processes are evolving.
- High ownership mindset: you don't just process numbers, you ensure they're right.
- Experience with regulated environments (e.g. SRA/solicitor account rules) is a bonus but not essential.
Finance Manager | PE Backed | Consumer Services employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment where finance professionals can truly thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, including funded support for professional qualifications, the company fosters a culture of ownership and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth PE-backed tech firm within the consumer services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager | PE Backed | Consumer Services
✨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 Zanda. 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 | PE Backed | Consumer Services
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 Zanda.
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 Zanda'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 Zanda
✨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 Zanda.
✨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 Zanda 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 Zanda 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.
