Blair West are supporting a leading professional services firm in Newcastle as they look to appoint a Finance Manager to lead the central finance function.  This role reports into the CFO, with a step up to Financial Controller likely in time.

The opportunity:

• Take ownership of the firm’s financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant standards.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting cycle, working closely with leadership to support strategic planning.
• Provide insightful financial analysis to identify trends, drive efficiencies and support growth initiatives.
• Review and enhance internal financial controls, embedding a strong governance framework.
• Proactively identify financial risks and collaborate on mitigation strategies with senior stakeholders.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and manage external audit relationships.
• Lead and develop a small finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Play a key role in shaping the financial strategy and decision-making across the business.
• Build and deliver management reports and dashboards to improve visibility of performance.
• Drive improvements in working capital through cashflow management, KPI development, and WIP oversight.

You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have:

• Proven experience in a Financial Controller or Finance Manager role, ideally within a growing business.
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent).
• A background in professional services or a similar environment would be highly beneficial.
• A track record of delivering improvements and change within finance functions.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing or mentoring finance teams.
• Confidence to challenge, advise, and influence senior stakeholders.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to balance detail with big-picture thinking.
• Commercial acumen with a focus on value creation and cost control.

The benefits included with this opportunity:

• Flexible hybrid working policy to support work-life balance.
• Central Newcastle location with modern, collaborative office space.
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy in a reputable firm.
• Strong culture of development and support within a high-performing leadership team.

Our commitment:

Blair West is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during your experience with us, please speak to their consultant. 

If you’d like to speak to someone about this opportunity:

Craig Stewart:  [email protected] / 07734 972433