Finance Manager

Description:

Buro Happold, a globally renowned engineering and consultancy practice, is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Finance Manager to oversee the financial performance of three UK business units. Based in Bath and reporting to the UK Chief Operating Officer, this is a key leadership role providing financial oversight, operational control, and business support in alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

The Finance Manager will work closely with the COO, Human Resources Leadership Team, and senior executives across the business. This role requires excellent leadership, financial control, and commercial awareness, alongside the ability to manage a finance team in a multi-office, international environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive all aspects of commercial and financial performance across three business units.

• Partner with the COO on strategy execution and tactical planning.

• Maintain oversight of operational controls, cash flow, credit, and risk management.

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate commercial risks, escalating when necessary.

• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders including Group Directors, Project Principals, and Partners.

• Manage the finance function by delivering:

  • Monthly management and project reporting.

  • Quarterly financial reporting and associated controls.

  • Financial and commercial decision support for senior executives and engineering teams.

  • Integrity of financial data, particularly around revenue recognition.

  • Oversight of finance systems, processes, and compliance.

  • Preparation of budgets, forecasts, and board-level reports.

  • Control of regional office costs and ad-hoc reporting.

• Liaise with other group and regional finance teams.

Candidate Requirements:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with strong post-qualification experience.

• Proven ability to deliver proactive commercial control across varied scenarios.

• Experience leading finance teams across multiple offices.

• Highly organised with ability to prioritise under tight deadlines.

• Background in professional services, engineering, or construction sectors desirable.

• Intermediate Excel proficiency (Pivot Tables, VLookups required).

• Advantageous:

  • Long-term project accounting.

  • Experience in matrix-managed, international businesses.

  • Knowledge of consulting engineering or professional services.

What’s on Offer:

• Generous holiday entitlement: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays).

• Hybrid working arrangements.

• Private medical insurance (family cover included).

• Company pension scheme.

• Life assurance and income protection.

• Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, and corporate discounts.

• Discretionary bonus scheme.

About the Company:
Buro Happold is a global consultancy delivering world-class engineering and design solutions. With a focus on innovation, diversity, and inclusion, the company provides a supportive environment where professionals can thrive. Buro Happold values individuality and flexibility, working to ensure employees can achieve career goals while maintaining work-life balance.