We’re looking for a Finance Manager to join a PE backed business in Leeds city centre.
This isn’t just about tracking spend – it’s about being the person who asks the tough questions and helps the business get smarter with its money.
You’ll be the one challenging senior stakeholders on their costs, diving into overhead analysis, and making sure every pound spent is actually driving value. You’ll spot the trends others miss and aren’t afraid to push back when something doesn’t add up.
This is a hands-on role where commercial awareness matters as much as technical skill. Our client needs someone who can look beyond the numbers, challenge where required, and help drive real cost discipline across the business.
What you’ll be doing day-to-day:
- Leading cost and overhead analysis – understanding where money goes and why
- Challenging senior people in the business on their spend decisions and budget requests
- Running trend analysis to spot patterns and opportunities for cost reduction
- Supporting expense management and working with budget holders to drive accountability
- Building reports that actually tell a story, not just present data
- Driving process improvements to make cost tracking sharper and more insightful
- Managing and developing a small team, helping them see the bigger commercial picture
What good looks like in this role:
- Senior stakeholders come to you for cost advice, not just compliance
- You’re known as someone who asks the right questions and gets results
- Cost trends are spotted early and action is taken before problems escalate
- Budget holders respect your challenge because they know you’re adding value
- A team that understands the commercial impact of what they’re doing
About you:
- Ideally you’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- You’ve got strong commercial instincts and aren’t afraid to challenge senior people
- Experience with cost analysis, trend spotting, and overhead management in a fast-paced business
- Excel is second nature, and you’re comfortable with ERP systems plus tools like Power BI
- You can present complex cost analysis in a way that drives action, not just understanding
Please do reach out to Lucy Regan or Emma Dugdale if you’d like a confidential chat before sending your CV.