Senior Commercial Finance Manager - Hybrid

Job Summary

Kennedypearce Consulting is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Senior Commercial Finance Manager to join a dynamic and fast-paced business during a critical period of trading and planning. This is an initial 3-month contract role, offering an exceptional opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact. Working closely with the Head of Commercial Finance, you will support decision-making across Sales and Operations, delivering actionable insights and driving financial performance. The ideal candidate is a fully qualified accountant with substantial commercial finance experience, ideally within contract catering, hospitality, or multi-site operational environments. This role is perfect for a proactive, solutions-focused professional who thrives on rolling up their sleeves and adding value from day one. With a hybrid working setup and exposure to senior leadership, this position offers a stimulating and varied workload within a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Sales and Operations teams to analyse performance and provide real-time commercial insights that drive informed decision-making.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasting processes during a key trading period, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review and refine sales reporting tools, pipeline tracking mechanisms, and investment case analyses to enhance commercial visibility.
• Produce clear, accurate, and insightful reporting for senior leadership, contributing to strategic discussions and business planning.
• Bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset to daily challenges, identifying opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Act as a trusted business partner, influencing and challenging stakeholders to optimise financial outcomes.
• Support ad-hoc financial analysis and modelling to evaluate commercial opportunities and risks.
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance are maintained throughout all activities.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with CIMA, ACCA, or ACA certification.
• Strong commercial finance experience, ideally within contract catering, hospitality, or multi-site environments.
• Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders, with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Confident working at pace, with minimal hand-holding, and able to add value quickly.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills, including scenario analysis and data manipulation.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools is desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is preferred.

Skills Inventory

• Essential: Financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting, commercial acumen, stakeholder management, advanced Excel, analytical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail.
• Essential: Ability to work under pressure, adaptability, strong communication, and teamwork.
• Preferred: Knowledge of contract catering or hospitality industry dynamics, experience with Power BI or similar BI tools, and familiarity with investment appraisal techniques.

Salary & Compensation Estimation

For a Senior Commercial Finance Manager on a 3-month contract in London, the daily rate typically ranges between GBP 350 and GBP 550 per day, depending on experience and the specific sector. This equates to an approximate annualised salary of GBP 70,000 to GBP 110,000. The exact compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and track record. Given the contract nature, a day rate or fixed-term salary will be offered, and the hybrid working arrangement adds flexibility to the package.