Temporary Finance Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager for a three‑month contract with a well‑established professional services firm in Central London. The role is hands‑on, covering the full finance function in a fast‑paced SME environment and requires an immediate start.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior stakeholders and partners.
• Manage month‑end and year‑end accounting processes.
• Oversee purchase ledger, sales ledger, credit control and daily banking activities.
• Monitor cash flow and produce accurate cash‑flow forecasts.
• Manage client and office accounts in line with Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Complete balance‑sheet reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Develop budgets and forecasts, providing financial analysis to support commercial decisions.
• Liaise with external auditors, accountants and other advisers.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal controls and company policies.
• Support the wider business with financial insight and process improvements.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Finance Manager within an SME, handling day‑to‑day finance operations.
• Background in a professional services organisation, preferably the legal sector.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting expertise.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management with senior leadership and partners.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach with high attention to detail.
• Immediate availability for a three‑month contract.

Required skills

• Management accounting
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Financial reporting
• Cash‑flow forecasting
• Balance‑sheet reconciliation
• Purchase ledger management
• Sales ledger management
• Credit control
• Banking operations
• Compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules