Assistant Group Finance Manager

The post holder will assist with the accurate and timely production of group financial reporting, maintain strong financial controls, and help to effectively manage the group’s treasury function, including cash flow, funding, liquidity, and risk management, thereby supporting strategic decision-making and safeguarding the organisation’s financial stability.

• Assist with maintaining strong relationships with local and international banks and financial institutions; negotiate favourable terms for services, loans, and credit lines.
• Monitor financial risks, including liquidity, currency, and credit exposure; evaluate the creditworthiness of customers and suppliers.
• Help ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, and other statutory requirements across the Group.
• Oversee and enforce adherence to the Group’s accounting and financial policies, including the Strategic Asset Policy and CapEx approval processes.
• Maintain a daily record of bank balances across all Group accounts to monitor liquidity and working capital.
• Assist with Balance Sheet review of all Group companies and reconciliation of control accounts.
• Liaise with auditors, banks, insurers, regulators, and other external parties as required.
• Support the preparation of statutory financial statements for the Company and group entities and coordinate with external auditors.
• Process Group Plant Hire invoices, journals, and queries.
• Assist in the preparation of Company Management Accounts and reconciliation of Group Management Accounts.
• Provide financial analysis and modelling to support major investments, acquisitions, or disposals, ensuring alignment with treasury and funding capacity.
• Prepare and present the monthly sales ledger, ensuring all revenue and receivables are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Manage cash pooling arrangements to maximise efficiency in the use of funds, reduce idle balances, and minimise borrowing costs.
• Undertake periodic internal control reviews to ensure financial integrity and compliance with internal controls, reporting findings with recommendations for corrective action.
• Maintain the Company fixed asset register.
• Prepare short and long-term rolling cash flow forecasts to support business planning and investment decisions.
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, reporting tools, and treasury processes.
• Assist in the annual review and monitoring of Group insurances.
• Analyse overheads and support cost control across all Group companies.
• Support the CFO and Board with ad hoc strategic projects, financial modelling, and scenario planning.
• Deliver timely and accurate reports to the Board and stakeholders, highlighting variances, risks, and opportunities.

• At least five years of experience in finance, with exposure to both group accounting and treasury responsibilities
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills - the ability to communicate effectively with all employees is an essential requirement
• Ability to prioritise and plan workload and work to deadlines
• Willingness to work in a small team
• Degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline
• Practical experience in cash flow forecasting and treasury operations
• Strong knowledge of group reporting, consolidations and management accounts
• Organised, efficient, and able to act on own initiative
• Finalist or full qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent
• Advanced Excel skills are essential, and knowledge of Sage is helpful
• Experience liaising with auditors, banks and senior stakeholders

Working Conditions

The role is head office-based in Kings Langley. Hours are 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, with one hour unpaid lunch break each day. Study package available for Finalists (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

• Private Healthcare: At six months of service, Automatically enrolled into Westfield Health Cash Plan for Specialist Consultations & Diagnostics, Scanning Service (MRI, CT & PET Scans), Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments (Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy and Osteopathy)
• Flexible approach to hours to ensure deadlines are met
• Profit Related Bonus: A profit related annual bonus will be payable in December if WJ meets its profit targets
• Pension: Automatically enrolled into the WJ Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme. Contributions are made at 5% for both employee (minimum) and employer (maximum).
• Group Life Insurance: Automatically included in the WJ Death in Service Group Insurance at 3 times salary after 6-month probation period
• Gym Membership: Exclusive, discounted access to thousands of gyms, pools and spas with just one pass via our fitness partner, Hussle