Commercial Finance Manager

Shape commercial performance and partner with leaders in a dynamic Finance role with real impact.

Are you a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys partnering with the business, challenging performance and driving value? Do you want to use your financial expertise to support a leading consultancy on its journey towards a more sustainable future?
Hays are recruiting a Business Controller on behalf of a major global consultancy, based in Southampton, offering flexible working, a great benefits package and clear career development in the future.
Your new roleAs Business Controller, you will join a specialist Business Finance team supporting the UK business and collaborating closely with colleagues across the UK and internationally. You will be a key partner to senior management, providing insightful financial analysis, challenge and guidance to support decision-making and improve performance.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Business Controlling & Advisory

Act as a proactive, forward-looking finance partner focused on value creationAttend management meetings and present financial results and insightsProactively identify and flag risks and opportunities, and follow up on agreed actionsManage and analyse working capital, including WIP analysis and contingency management Reporting & Analysis Oversee Income Statement reporting and deliver clear variance analysisPerform root cause analysis on key drivers including staff costs, margins, billing ratio and non-productive timePrepare management reporting packs and commentary for senior stakeholdersSupport ad hoc financial reporting, including year-end audit requirementsLead project analysis and reporting, including customer and project profitability, project mix versus targets, and risk/opportunity assessment Planning & Forecasting Manage the budgeting and forecasting process in consultation with business leadersEnsure budgets and forecasts are robust, accurate and owned by management Continuous Improvement Take an active lead in identifying and implementing finance and process improvement initiativesContribute to enhancing tools, reporting and ways of working across the Business Finance team
What you'll need to succeedA strong academic background with a recognised professional finance qualification (ACA, CIMA or equivalent) or working towardsProven commercial finance / business partnering experienceGood understanding of project accounting, financial and management accounting principlesStrong analytical and financial modelling skills, particularly in ExcelThe ability to engage, challenge and influence stakeholders at all levels while maintaining strong commercial awarenessA collaborative approach with the ability to build positive business relationships
What you'll get in returnYou will join a forward-thinking, foundation-owned consultancy with a strong focus on sustainability, responsibility and long-term value.
Benefits package will include: A flexible, hybrid working environmentCompetitive employer pension contribution Life assurance / death in service Income protection insurance Annual bonus scheme (performance-based)Option to buy or sell holiday Enhanced family leave policies (maternity, adoption, paternity)Private medical insurance or medical cash plan (role-dependent) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Cycle to Work scheme Season ticket loans Discount platform / employee perks portal Charity volunteering opportunities
You can also expect: Ongoing investment in your professional developmentSupportive leaders who are guided by clear leadership principlesAn inclusive, open and collaborative culture where you are valued as an individualThe opportunity to work on inspiring projects alongside experts across buildings and related sectorsThe organisation is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and characteristics, and providing a supportive environment where everyone can flourish.
What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this Business Controller opportunity in Southampton and feel you have the skills and experience to succeed, please apply with your CV today or give me a call to discuss the role in more detail. #