Finance Manager.

Cambridge | 20th August 2026

Apply for this job, email:

recruitment@pem.co.uk

Drive financial excellence at PEM the largest firm of accountants, tax and business advisers in Cambridge with a culture built on trust, growth and collaboration.

Applications close at 12:00 noon on Thursday 27th August. To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter to recruitment@pem.co.uk.

Role summary

To manage the day-to-day finance function, oversee the finance team, prepare accurate and timely management accounts, and coordinate key compliance activity across the firm.

This is a busy and varied role requiring strong technical finance knowledge, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage deadlines, processes and people effectively.

Why PEM?

Founded in Cambridge in 1875, PEM has grown to become one of the region’s leading firms of accountants, tax and business advisers. While much has changed over the years, our commitment to people, relationships and exceptional client service remains at the heart of everything we do.

We’re proud to support a diverse range of organisations, from owner-managed businesses and technology companies to some of the most respected charities and not-for-profit organisations in the UK.

When you join PEM, you’ll find:

  • A collaborative and supportive culture where knowledge and expertise are shared openly.
  • An experienced Finance team with a broad range of skills and professional knowledge.
  • The opportunity to work collaboratively with teams across the firm.
  • Meaningful opportunities for progression, professional growth and leadership development.
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support life outside of work.
  • A firm that genuinely invests in building long-term careers.

What will you be doing day to day?

  • Lead the finance team by managing workload, coaching staff and acting as the first point of escalation.
  • Ensure smooth operational delivery through deadline management, team cover and handling routine finance queries.
  • Own the month‑end process, including journals, reconciliations and maintaining ledger integrity.
  • Prepare monthly management accounts with clear initial commentary.
  • Maintain strong financial controls across balance sheet reconciliations, fixed assets and control accounts.
  • Manage payments and expenses, reviewing invoices, payment runs, bank requests and credit card processes.
  • Deliver statutory and compliance reporting including VAT, PSA, ONS submissions and audit support.
  • Support debtor and credit control activity through reconciliations, aged debt reporting and escalation of overdue balances.
  • Handle 4C finance processes such as invoicing, journals, payment runs and pension submissions.
  • Drive systems and process improvements across Business Central, CCH, Xero and Concur.
  • Document and maintain finance procedures to ensure clarity and consistency.
  • Provide firm‑wide finance support, escalating strategic matters where appropriate.

What are we looking for?

Essential criteria

  • Proven experience in a finance role with responsibility for month-end reporting and management accounts
  • Strong knowledge of finance systems and ability to work accurately within them
  • Solid understanding of financial controls, compliance processes and accurate reporting
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities effectively
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence and ability to support, coach and develop team members
  • Proactive, flexible approach to work and able to adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to provide operational finance leadership and support the Financial Controller

Desirable criteria

  • Previous experience working within a professional services environment
Grace Quist-Therson
Stephen Bartlett-Rawlings

Life at PEM: giving back to our community

Across the firm, our people choose to support local causes through the PEM Charitable Trust. This is a firm-wide initiative, not a duty of this role. Our colleagues nominate and award grants of up to £2,000 to local charities – donating over £95,000 to date and celebrating our 150th grant in 2025.

From charity challenges to volunteer days, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved if you wish – championing causes close to your heart and seeing the real-world impact of our collective work.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced finance professional looking to take the next step in your career within one of the region’s leading accountancy and advisory firms, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the role, the team and the opportunities available at PEM. Applications close at 12:00 noon on Thursday 27th August. To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter to recruitment@pem.co.uk.

Join PEM and help shape the future of our finance function.

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