Finance Manager

Watsham ConsultingLondonreedpublished 11/05/2026

Finance Manager

London, SW6, nearest station Putney Bridge (office based 5 days a week)

Permanent, full-time

£50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience

About the Role

We're excited to be partnering with a new client based in South West London (SW6, Putney Bridge) and leading their search for an experienced Finance Manager.

The Finance Manager will take ownership of all day-to-day transactional accounting across the business. Working closely with the external accountants, who currently handle CIS returns and VAT returns. The intention is to bring all accounting and reporting in-house which, as the dedicated finance specialist, the Finance Manager will lead.

Key Responsibilities

  • Run all transactional processing for the business, including purchase ledger, banking and cash management.
  • Process and manage subcontractor payments, including CIS verification, deductions, statements and payment records.
  • Prepare and process applications for payment, valuations, retentions and subcontractor invoicing in line with contracts.
  • Manage cash flow, payment runs and supplier and subcontractor payment schedules.
  • Liaise with the external accountants on CIS returns, VAT returns, providing accurate and timely information.
  • Maintain accurate financial records and ensure month-end processes are completed on time.
  • Support management with job costing and project financial information.
  • Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including CIS and VAT (including domestic reverse charge where applicable).

Key Project: Bringing Accounting In-House

Over time, the Finance Manager will plan and deliver the transfer of accounting and reporting functions from the external accountants to the business. This will include:

  • Taking over CIS, VAT returns and management information reporting.
  • Developing management reporting, including monthly accounts, budgets and forecasts.
  • Establishing processes, controls and documentation to support the in-house function.
  • Managing the ongoing relationship with the external accountants for year-end accounts and tax, where required.

Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Qualified by experience with a strong track record in a similar role.
  • Previous experience working within the construction industry.
  • Proven experience dealing with subcontractors and managing CIS.
  • Strong knowledge of purchase ledger, banking and cash management.
  • Good working knowledge of VAT, including construction-specific rules.
  • Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and prioritise a varied workload.
  • Strong communication skills, with the confidence to work with directors, site teams, subcontractors and external advisers.

Desirable

  • Experience using EQUE2 construction accounting software.
  • Experience of leading or contributing to a finance transition or systems project.
  • Experience of management reporting, budgeting and forecasting.

What's On Offer

  • A key role with real ownership in a small, close-knit business.
  • The opportunity to build and shape the finance function.
  • £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
  • 9-5, 35 hour week
  • 25 days annual leave PLUS Christmas shut down