PE backed Education
Our client is a previously family run, now with Private Equity backing, multi-site business that is currently going through some significant change as part of its growth journey. A key part of the strategy involves significant investment in both human capital and company infrastructure, including professionalising systems and operational processes.
Description
We are now seeking a high-calibre Group Finance Manager to support the Group Financial Controller and assume day-to-day responsibility for the operational running of the finance function. This is a broad and hands-on role that combines technical and commercial accounting (FP&A), team leadership, and meaningful engagement with the wider business, with excellent exposure and the opportunity to shape processes within a dynamic environment. Reporting directly to the Group Financial Controller, the Group Finance Manager will oversee the smooth and timely delivery of monthly reporting, ensuring the accuracy of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash forecasts, while also producing high-quality analysis and commentary for senior stakeholders. You will lead a small accounting team of two, embedding strong financial controls, supporting the budgeting and forecasting cycle, managing daily banking requirements, and maintaining oversight of VAT compliance.
The role also plays a pivotal part in the annual audit and statutory reporting processes, requiring a strong technical understanding and a proactive, organised approach. Beyond the day-to-day duties, you will have significant involvement in project work and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with the GFC, you will help to drive enhancements in reporting quality, support reviews, and developments of financial systems, and contribute to the creation of Standard Operating Procedures and internal controls. You will work to increase the visibility and influence of the finance function across the organisation, act as a key internal point of contact for financial queries, and support wider change-management initiatives aligned with investor expectations and the company’s strategic priorities.
Skills
The ideal candidate will be a graduate qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with ideally three years’ post-qualification experience and a strong grounding in financial reporting and analysis. You will bring proven team-leadership capability, strong technical accounting skills, and the ability to work confidently with large data sets, supported by advanced Excel and solid finance systems knowledge. Experience of business partnering, process improvement and operating within a fast-paced environment will be essential, as will excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage effectively across all levels of the business.
This is a high-profile role within a growing organisation, offering genuine scope to influence the development of the finance function and contribute to the company’s ongoing evolution.
Apply
To apply for this Group Finance Manager role, please press the apply button.
Please note that due to the expected volume of applications, we will only be able to respond to those candidates whose experience matches the requirements of our client. We are sorry, but if you have not heard from us within the next ten days, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Walker Hamill has been a specialist finance and strategy recruiter for approaching 40 years. We have an extensive client group, including major multinational listed organisations, private equity backed businesses and privately owned companies. We recruit across all sectors and have particularly strong client relationships in media, retail, pharma/biotech, technology, property/real estate, leisure and business services. Headquartered in London, we have additional offices in continental Europe.