Finance Manager

About us

Optima Partners is a challenger AI and data consultancy that embeds closely with clients to solve complex problems and deliver measurable outcomes. Founded in 2013 in Edinburgh, we specialise in transformation across Financial Services & Insurance, Energy, Telecoms and Life Sciences. Following recent significant investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP), we are entering a major growth phase that accelerates our UK expansion, strengthens our service and innovation capabilities, and enables further investment in our people, technology and delivery.

As we scale, we're looking for a hands‑on Finance Manager who thrives in a fast‑growing environment and enjoys taking ownership across a broad range of responsibilities. You'll bring experience from an SME setting, a strong grasp of day‑to‑day finance operations, and a passion for improving how things work. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on responsibility and wants to step into a broader, more impactful position within a growing, investment‑backed consultancy.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will take ownership of core financial operations and play a central role in strengthening controls, improving processes, and supporting effective decision‑making across the business. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Own the month‑end close calendar and deliver complete management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and commentary).
• Maintain accurate, timely balance sheet reconciliations with clear issue resolution.
• Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts, highlighting risks/opportunities and recommended actions.
• Produce VAT returns and maintain all supporting documentation.
• Support budgeting and forecasting: issuing templates, consolidating inputs and preparing first‑cut packs.

• Oversee AP, AR, billing, credit control, accrued/deferred income and prepayment reconciliations.
• Monitor working capital KPIs and drive improvements in cash conversion.
• Review monthly payroll outputs and prepare payroll journals (including year‑end P11D/PSA requirements).
• Manage banking reviews, payment runs and authorisation through Bankline.
• Maintain finance systems including chart of accounts, housekeeping and supplier/customer setup.

• Prepare year‑end audit packs and act as day‑to‑day liaison with auditors.
• Maintain all operational finance procedures and documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and data quality.

You'll be a proactive Finance Manager who enjoys leading others, setting high standards, and taking ownership of delivering accurate, timely financial outputs. You'll bring strong attention to detail, a collaborative approach, and the confidence to maintain robust controls across all core finance activities.

• A qualified Chartered accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA) with PQE experience
• Manage, coach, and develop two direct reports.
• Lead by example, promoting high standards of accuracy, ownership, and collaboration.
• Maintain and enforce all finance deadlines, cut-offs, and operational expectations.
• Prepare and approve routine journals within agreed limits.
• Authorise payments within policy and take responsibility for locking down management accounts following GFC review.

We offer a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work‑life balance as part of a growing, people‑focused consultancy.

• Competitive base salary
• Access to a company discretionary bonus and client growth incentive plan
• Up to 37 days holiday
• Private medical insurance
• Group life and income protection
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Access to Perkbox, offering a wide range of lifestyle discounts and wellbeing benefits
• Investment in learning and development, including funded training and professional growth opportunities
• Regular company away days and team events to strengthen collaboration and celebrate success

Department Finance Locations Charlotte Square, Edinburgh Remote status Hybrid