Finance Manager

London, Hybrid (1–2 days in office)

Approx. 32 hours per week. Flexible working available

Fairgrove Partners is a specialist consultancy based in London. We work with investors, management teams and industry experts to deliver high-quality commercial insight across a range of sectors. We have a collective ambition that is rare to find, with a team that genuinely cares for one another, champions each other’s success and works collaboratively to move the business forward. As a high-growth boutique, there is real scope to propose and lead internal initiatives, helping shape the direction of the business and make a tangible impact.

We are seeking a finance professional who can lead day-to-day finance operations, maintain strong financial controls, and provide accurate and timely reporting to support decision-making. You will work closely with partners to deliver key financial processes, improve how we operate, and support the wider firm through operational and cultural projects.

This role requires someone who is confident working semi-independently, comfortable interacting with senior stakeholders, and able to combine hands-on delivery with thoughtful analysis. It is well suited to a Finance Manager, Finance Lead or experienced Management Accountant from a professional services environment who enjoys owning an end-to-end finance remit.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Operations (80%)

• Process supplier invoices and allocate spend to client engagements in CMAP
• Make payments and support cashflow forecasting and monitoring
• Prepare draft client invoices for Partner review
• Monitor case-closing processes and ensure engagement letters are in place
• Track overdue invoices and escalate sensitively and appropriately
• Review and process staff expense claims

Financial Reporting & Insight

• Input management information into monthly financials and quarterly board presentations (e.g. revenue mix, utilisation, job profitability)
• Produce ad hoc financial and operational reports
• Support development of the annual budget and twice-yearly reforecasting
• Conduct monthly variance analysis and highlight key drivers
• Maintain the firm’s financial calendar, ensuring key deadlines are met

Systems, Compliance & Coordination

• Work confidently with Xero, CMAP, Excel and PowerPoint
• Liaise with external accountants and payroll providers
• Manage firm subscriptions, renewals and insurance coverage
• Coordinate payroll adjustments (not full payroll processing)

Depending on experience:

• Production of management accounts
• Support with annual accounts and tax submissions
• Gross-to-net pay calculations

Project Support (20%)

• Lead or support one-off projects (e.g. process improvements, offsites, office moves or cultural initiatives)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Accounting qualification (AAT/ACCA/CIMA/ACA or similar) or equivalent experience
• Strong practical experience with Xero
• Excellent Excel skills (lookups, pivots, basic modelling)
• Solid understanding of financial controls, audit trails and professional services finance processes
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Awareness of VAT, basic tax concepts and key financial deadlines
• Ability to streamline processes and improve how the finance function operates
• Experience preparing high-quality information for external accountants
• Confident communicator able to liaise with senior partners and stakeholders
• Highly organised, able to prioritise effectively and manage competing deadlines
• Discreet and trustworthy handling confidential and sensitive information
• Calm, pragmatic and solutions-focused, particularly during busy periods

Desirable

• Experience within a professional services or project-based environment
• Experience with CMAP or other project management tools
• Experience contributing to management accounts or annual accounts
• Exposure to operational projects such as office moves or systems improvements
• Interest in process optimisation or light business operations